Sacramento, CA…From Cal OES…Firefighters began battling multiple wildfires on October 9 in numerous counties across the entire state, prompting mass evacuations. Thousands of acres burned and threatened infrastructure as strong winds fueled the fast-moving fires. As of today, as many as 18 fires are burning in nine counties and an estimated 20,000 people are evacuated.

Resources Pouring In
Resources continued to pour in, as of Wednesday, Oct. 11, as crews battled both the fires and extreme weather conditions. Red flag warnings from high winds combined with low humidity made Wednesday’s efforts that much more difficult for the more than 8,000 firefighters and 646 law enforcement personnel working the deadly fires. Suppression efforts included more than 658 fire engines, over 30 air tankers and 73 helicopters, with an additional 170 fire engines en route from the neighboring states of Oregon, Nevada, Washington and Arizona. Fire department mutual aid resources from all across California are helping with firefighting efforts. Click here for the current list of fire departments assisting.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services coordinated placing over 4,400 evacuees in dozens of shelters across the region, while also distributing over 40,000 meals, 60,000 liters of water, 2,000 ADA compliance cots and 12,000 blankets and sheets.

The California National Guard continued their support of the firefighting efforts with more than 700 soldiers and airmen deployed and an additional 1,800 expected later this week. Cal Guard is also heavily involved in the air suppression efforts with 13 Type-1 helicopters, 2 medical evacuation helicopters and 2 light observation helicopters. In addition, Cal Guard is also coordinating bringing in additional resources from the Oregon and Nevada National Guard, as well with as with the United States Navy and Marines, if needed. Cal Guard is also flying 2 unmanned aircraft used for fire mapping and damage assessment.

Speaking at a briefing from the State Operations Center Wednesday morning, Cal OES Director Mark Ghilarducci said 64 of the 77 damaged cell towers have been restored and more than 50,000 customers have had power restored within the last 48 hours.