Crime & Safety

Riverside County Declares Local Emergency as Mountain Fire Spreads

The proclamation will make the county eligible to receive state and federal disaster funds, if they become available.

The following is a news release from the county's executive office:

Riverside County proclaimed a local emergency Thursday because of the Mountain Fire, a step that could make the county eligible to receive disaster funds if state and federal officials recognize the emergency and make assistance available.

With a proclamation, the county could be eligible to receive reimbursement for the costs of the emergency response if funding becomes available, a process that can take months. 

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On Thursday, the fire surpassed 22,800 acres in the San Jacinto mountains. The proclamation notes that the fire poses extreme danger to people and property in mountain communities, including Idyllwild, Trails End, Mountain Center, Bonita Vista, Apple Canyon, Pine Springs Ranch, Garner Valley and Lake Hemet. County Executive Officer Jay Orr signed the proclamation around 2:30 p.m. because the Board of Supervisors was not in session. The proclamation will go to the Board at its next regular meeting to be ratified. 

Supervisor Jeff Stone, who was in Idyllwild Thursday, said the fire’s extreme danger continues and that he hopes state and federal funds become available as soon as possible.

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“We hope the state and federal government recognize the disaster, and that the weather cooperates so our fire teams have a better chance to get the blaze under control,” he said.

For the latest on the fire, click here.



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