DATE: September 22, 2020
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Jean M. Rousseau, County Administrative Officer/Emergency Services Director
SUBJECT: Ratification of a Local Health Emergency - 2020 Creek Fire
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt Resolution ratifying the Fresno County Health Officer's Local Health Emergency, due to the public health threat of the 2020 Creek Fire.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will ratify a local health emergency as declared by the County Interim Health Officer on September 18, 2020 relating to the 2020 Creek Fire public health threat.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
No viable options are available.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact as a result of the recommended action.
DISCUSSION:
Commencing on September 4, 2020, the Creek Fire adversely affected the residents, visitors, businesses, utility infrastructure and natural resources within the mountain communities of Big Creek, Huntington Lake, and Shaver Lake areas of the County. The magnitude and rapid rate of growth of this wildfire is unprecedented in the County of Fresno and it continues to grow.
Approximately 650 structures including 500 homes and 5 businesses have been destroyed as a result of the wildfire and damage inspections continue to be performed. Debris and ash from structure fires can contain hazardous substances. Building materials such as siding, roofing titles, insulation, or household items such as paint, gasoline, cleaning products, pesticides, compressed gas cylinders, and chemicals can result in dangerous ash that contains asbestos, heavy metals, and other hazardous materials.
Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 101080, it is recommended that your Board ratify the existence of a Local Health Emergency, as declared by the Fresno County Interim Health Officer on September 18, 2020, due to the public health threat to the residents that live within the mountain communities of Fresno County that have been affected by the ...
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