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Gov. Newsom declares statewide emergency over wildfires, extreme weather

Updated  August 18, 2020 3:54pm PDT
Wildfires
KTVU FOX 2

Evacuation orders through the night due to Napa County wildfires

The Hennessey Fire and the Gamble Fire were both started by lightning Monday morning. While evacuation orders are in effect for some 20 homes, crews are fortunate for light winds and humidity.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday declared a statewide emergency over wildfires burning across the state. 

The governor's office said the emergency declaration will help ensure the availability of vital resources to help combat fires burning at each end of the state. 

Officials said the historic West Coast heat wave, coupled with high winds is draining resources. 

RELATED: Lightning strikes around Bay Area spark multiple wildfires

“We are deploying every resource available to keep communities safe as California battles fires across the state during these extreme conditions,” said Governor Newsom. “California and its federal and local partners are working in lockstep to meet the challenge and remain vigilant in the face of continued dangerous weather conditions.”

Napa County wildfires

Firefighters are battling several wildfires that were started by lightning. Allie Rasmus reports

On Monday, the governor secured Fire Management Assistance Grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to bolster the state's response to fires burning in Napa, Nevada, and Monterey counties. He also signed an emergency proclamation and executive order to address the impacts of the ongoing heatwave.