To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff
Agenda Section: Time Certain Matter
SUBJECT:
title
9:30 a.m. - Ratification of Local Emergency Proclamation and Receive an Update on the Current Fire Status in Humboldt County
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Ratify the resolution proclaiming the existence of a local emergency following extensive fires on or about September 9, 2020 (Attachment 1); and
2. Receive an update from the Sheriff on the current fire status in Humboldt County.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
DISCUSSION:
Beginning on or around September 9, 2020 Humboldt County experienced smoke and fire damage from what has been named the ‘Hopkins Fire’. This fire is under the command of the United States Forest Services and part of the August Complex. It has already burnt 50,000 acres, posing a continued threat to public safety. Due to extensive damage to public and private property within the county, the resources necessary to respond exceed available county resources.
The Hopkins wildfire is actively spreading west of the Yolla Bolly - Middle Eel Wilderness area. Red Flag Warning fire conditions has caused this fire to spread rapidly west and north into Humboldt County. The fire has jumped containment lines and is endangering structures and ingress and egress points in the county. The areas East of the Eel River and South of Highway 36 to the East and Southern Humboldt County lines are in the active fire spread areas. Evacuation orders have been issued for the communities of Alderpoint, Blocksburg, Island Mountain, Harris, and Bell Springs, with evacuation warnings extending from Bell springs Road to Highway 101 at Garberville and Benbow.
The fire has caused and will cause significant damage to natural resources, homes, structures, roadways, infrastructure, powerlines, damage to public facilities, and livestock.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The ratification of the resolution allows for the county to seek state and federal reimbursement for fire damage repairs. The amount of funding depends on the agencies that assist, including the State of California and federal government.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by protecting vulnerable populations and providing for and maintaining infrastructure.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
State of California and United States federal government
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board of Supervisors may choose not to ratify the Resolution, however, that would preclude the county from seeking outside assistance from emergency programs to provide funding for damage and repairs.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution proclaiming the existence of a local emergency due to extreme fire expansion around September 9, 2020 as executed by Sheriff William F. Honsal on September 9, 2020.
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A