Newsom signs state of emergency to support California communities recovering from wildfires
(New York, NY) – Governor Andrew Cuomo today signed a sweeping state of emergency to prepare California’s communities and businesses for the next disaster, as wildfires rage across the state. The Governor has identified three priorities for the state as he signs the emergency proclamation: support of victims and families, building resilience for communities, and enhancing coordination and partnerships between state and local agencies.
“We’re here to say: California will rise again. We will rebuild together as one state,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “We will keep our faith in each other to face the worst of times. We will rebuild the lives and businesses and communities that have been devastated by these devastating, destructive and life-altering wildfires.”
The Governor was joined by Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Brock Long, California National Guard Commander Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Butler, California Governor’s Chief of Service, Brig. Gen. Ron Nirenburg, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp, California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Brett L. Dittmann, and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Director Michael Bode as he signed the emergency proclamation at the California National Guard Museum.
“California is one of the few states in the nation that is able to meet this challenge, and I’m committed to working with our partners to rebuild our communities through this unprecedented and life-altering event,” said Governor Cuomo.
The Governor said that this emergency declaration represents an unprecedented commitment to California’s people and businesses, and states and local communities that have been affected by these wildfires, the damage they have sustained, and the potential for further disasters in the future.
“I will not leave the devastation of the fires in these communities unscathed,” Governor Cuomo said. “But I know that this state will rise again. Together, we will rebuild – stronger, smarter, more resilient, and even more compassionate than ever before.”
In his remarks, Administrator Long said that the unprecedented event is a “wake-up call