As uncontained fires continue to rage across Northern California, President Donald Trump has pledged federal support for the state under a major disaster d
As uncontained fires continue to rage across Northern California, President Donald Trump has pledged federal support for the state under a major disaster declaration.
Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday that FEMA would assist with the 17 major wildfires burning across Northern California. Pence said that the fires have led to the deaths of 13 people and destroyed 2,000 homes and businesses.
“Our hearts and the hearts of every American go out to the families of the 13 who lost their lives,” Pence said at a news conference. “Many of the fallen represent our most vulnerable, in some cases senior citizens who simply were not able to escape the flames that overcame their homes.”
SEE RELATED: North Bay consumed in ‘hellish’ series of blazes as death toll rises
The news came after Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in eight California counties. Earlier Tuesday morning, local, state and federal officials held a joint-news conference on the three major fires burning in Napa County.
Napa County Sheriff John Robertson confirmed the deaths of Charles Rippey, 100, and Sara Rippey, 98, who were unable to escape from a home on Westgate Drive.
“We have a lot devastation that’s going on,” Napa County Fire Chief Barry Biermann said. “The fires are still out there, they are still actively growing.”
Biermann said that firefighters had just started their third shifts on the fire line because of limited resources in the region.
“The good news is the city of Calistoga is safe, power was restored there [Monday] afternoon,” said Napa County Supervisor Diane Dillon. “The Tubbs Fire itself has not increased in size as we know of.”
Napa County Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza said that the Atlas Fire had burned 25,000 acres as of 5:45 a.m.
Brad Wagenknecht, another Napa County supervisor, said the Partrick Fire is the “little brother” of the other two blazes. The fire has consumed about 1,000 acres.
Meanwhile, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District is issuing a smoke
advisory for the second straight day Tuesday because of smoke from multiple
wildfires that continue to burn in the North Bay.
Winds have blown the smoke from fires in Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties throughout the region, according to the air district.
Bay Area residents should limit outdoor activities if they smell smoke and should set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate so outside air does not move inside, district officials said.
Children, the elderly and those with respiratory illnesses are particularly sensitive to elevated pollution levels and should take extra precautions.
