Palm Desert's Assemblyman Asks Governor to Declare State of Emergency in RivCo

Today, Assemblymembers Brian Nestande, (R- Palm Desert) and Brian Jones, (R-Santee) submitted a request to Governor Brown and California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) Director Ghilarducci to declare a State of Emergency in the County of Riverside due to the Idyllwild Mountain Fire.  

The fire is threating both the 42nd and 71st Assembly Districts.

The Idyllwild fire has already burned more than 26,000 acres and the County of Riverside signed a Declaration of Emergency on Thursday.  Last night, the fire entered San Jacinto Park and has already burned between 450 and 1,000 acres.  This is also the critical habitat of the endangered Bighorn Sheep.  CalOES has requested the California National Guard to provide two C-130 aircraft to perform aerial firefighting operations as well. 

“This fire is disastrous for our community.  Lives and homes are threatened and the financial damage is already astronomical.  We are working closely with local and state agencies to make sure that our first responders have all the resources they need to continue battling this blaze.  We ask that you pray for their safety and the safety of the residents that are in harm’s way,” said Nestande

This fire is extremely dangerous and is exacerbated by fuel conditions in very steep, rugged, and inaccessible terrain.  Cal Fire has determined that the conditions are similar to that of the Yarnell Fire in Arizona that claimed the lives of 19 elite firefighters, two of which were Hemet residents. 

“These conditions make for a perfect storm of devastation for the communities of Idyllwild, Fern Valley and Morrison Ranch.  I join with Assemblyman Nestande in any support my office can provide and offer prayers of safety – for homeowners and firefighters alike,” said Jones.

CalFire and its partners have more than 3,300 personnel on the ground the cost of battling the blaze has already exceeded $8 million.  State recognition of the disaster declaration will provide significant and much-needed resources to the County and will aid them in seeking Federal disaster relief as well. 

For the latest on the fire, click here.