The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), in conjunction with state, local and federal partners, is coordinating the deployment of mutual aid resources in support of the McKinney Fire in Siskiyou County.
As of August 5, Cal OES has deployed 185 local government and OES engines and 744 personnel.
Within the mutual aid system is the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) that allows states to send personnel, equipment, and commodities to assist with response and recovery efforts in other states.
Additional resources through an EMAC request were deployed from Oregon in support of the McKinney Fire. Task forces from Marion, Linn and Clackamas counties in Oregon arrived Sunday evening and will be assisting with firefighting efforts in Siskiyou County for up to two weeks. The three task forces are made up of 41 firefighters, 12 engines and three water tenders.
The McKinney Fire ignited on July 29 near Hwy 96 and McKinney Creed Rd, southwest of Klamath River. The fire has burned more than 59,600 acres and is 10 percent contained as of August 5.
The Cal OES Fire and Rescue Division coordinates the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System, which moves local government resources across the state in support of all-risk emergency response on behalf of local, state, and federal government fire organizations. Cal OES assigns local government fire agencies with fire apparatus to maintain surge capacity during day-to-day duties and major events/emergencies.
The public is urged to remain aware of their surrounding conditions and to avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires and follow local fire restrictions. The public is also reminded to have an emergency plan in place, emergency preparedness kits at home and vehicles full of fuel. Sign-up for emergency alerts, listen to local authorities and warnings, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
The Cal OES Warning Center and State Operations Center will monitor conditions and be ready for further resource requests as necessary.
For the latest information on wildfires burning in California, visit https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/ and https://inciweb.nwcg.gov.
For more from Cal OES, visit CalOES.ca.gov and follow us on Twitter @Cal_OES.