Emergency Response and Disaster Preparedness Home

Emergency response and recovery for Cal/EPA is coordinated through the Emergency Response Management Committee (ERMAC), comprised of members from each board, department, and office. For more information, please visit our Contacts page.

Current Response and Preparedness Activities

(February 2009)

On February 27, 2009, pursuant to his authority under Government Code sections 8625 and 8571, the Governor issued a Proclamation declaring a state of emergency because California is experiencing its third consecutive critically dry year, and severe drought is ravaging the State’s physical, social, and economic landscape. The Proclamation acknowledges that severe drought is having devastating consequences on California.

Process, Criteria, and Application for Secretarial Determination Regarding Drought Emergency Projects

Past Responses

(November 2008)

Many large fires are burning across Southern California, from Santa Barbara County south to just over the Mexican border. Air quality may be unhealthful at times. Residents are urged to listen for local air quality reports. In addition, burned areas may present multiple hazards, including ash and debris, melted metals, and burned pesticides and household chemicals. Extreme caution is urged for any resident wanting to re-enter a burned home or neighborhood. More information is available on the Fire Response and Recovery page or by contacting CalEPA’s emergency response coordinators.

Current Fire Recovery and Air Quality Information for Southern California

Heat Alerts

Summer heat waves can be extremely dangerous. It is important to pay attention to signs of heat-related illness, and especially to monitor infants and young children, seniors, and those with health problems.

Persons living in or visiting areas where daytime temperatures surpass the 90- and 100-degree marks during the day and remain in the 70s overnight should prepare for the hot weather and use caution in their activities.

State emergency management and health officials caution that if a person has difficulty, due to a disability or medical condition, regulating their body temperature that they should take necessary precautions to protect themselves, including seeking shelter in local cooling centers.

Other tips include:

Create a cooler environment or visit places like malls, theaters, or other public air-conditioned places
Drink plenty of water, especially when taking medication
Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing
Avoid physical activities during periods of peak temperatures
Check-on neighbors and family members to ensure they are not being harmed by the heat
Watch for signs of heat-related illness, including fatigue, nausea, headache, and vomiting

More information on effect of heat on humans can be found at the California Department of Public Health. Information on potential effects of heat on livestock can be found under “Animal Disposal”.

2008 Fire Season

On May 9, 2008 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the opening of the 2008 Fire Season. Historically, fire season begins on July 1 of every year. But because of the lack of winter rains and windy and dry conditions, there are higher than normal fire risks state-wide.

"This year's fire season has already begun," Governor Schwarzenegger said. "We need every firefighting resource and tool on ready alert, so we can spring to action when disaster strikes. Executive Order S-03-08 requests CalEPA coordinate with the Resources Agency, OES, and others on preparation for wildfire mitigation and recovery efforts.

More information is found on the Fire Response and Recovery page.

Bay Area Oil Spill

On Wednesday, November 7, a Chinese container ship, the Cosco Busan, struck a support tower of the Bay Bridge. The bridge was not damaged, but the ship released an estimated 58,000 gallons of fuel oil into the San Francisco Bay. The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) determined that the spill affected waters west of the Carquinez Bridge and a three-mile-wide stretch of the Pacific Coast between the Point Reyes Lighthouse in Marin County and San Pedro Point in San Mateo County.

In response, Governor Schwarzenegger suspended all fishing and directed OEHHA, in consultation with the California Department of Public Health, to make a determination about the health risk posed by eating fish and other seafood caught in the impacted area. After extensive sampling and analysis, OEHHA found no increase in contaminants in seafood caught in the oil spill area except in mussels. The fishing suspension will be lifted December 1. However, OEHHA will be releasing a fish advisory for mussels.

Executive Order S-14-07

Information about safety at area beaches, guidelines for sport fishers, an interim fish advisory, and sampling and analysis of affected fish, crabs, and mussels are available at the OEHHA website.

Report on the safety of consuming fish and shellfish from areas impacted by the M/V Cosco Busan oil spill in San Francisco Bay, California.

Information about the areas impacted by the oil spill, beach closures, and efforts to rescue wildlife are available at the Department of Fish and Game website.

By the numbers (11/27/07):

Counties affected – 5
Personnel responding – 881
Responder injuries to date – 22
Total oil discharged – 53,570 to 58,000 gallons
Cubic yards of oily solids recovered – 2438
Live oiled birds captured to date – 1059
Deceased birds collected – 1591
Birds released to date – 193
Beaches closed – 18
Personnel at the Oiled Wildlife Care Network – 100 volunteers and 19 paid staff

Southern California Fires

On October 21, 2007, a series of wildfires began burning across Southern California. The fires, fueled by drought conditions and Santa Ana winds in excess of 60 mph, engulfed wide stretches of land from Santa Barbara to the US-Mexico border. There was an unprecedented evacuation of close to half a million residents in the affected areas, with San Diego County being severely impacted. Governor Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in seven California counties and President Bush concurred with a federal declaration of emergency.

The recovery efforts are now well underway, with hazardous material and debris removal, as well as multiple efforts to assist residents, prevent erosion, and protect drinking water sources from contamination.

By the numbers (11/03/07):

Confirmed fatalities – 9
Reported injuries – 139
8,884 firefighters responded
18 fires in 7 counties
Total acres burned – 517,267, or approximately 800 square miles
Structures destroyed – 3204
Structures damaged – 436

More information is found on the Fire Response and Recovery page.

Lake Tahoe/Angora Fire (Updated November 2007)

The debris removal from properties affected by the Angora Fire was completed ahead of schedule on October 25, 2007. The debris removal and sampling of properties affected by the Angora Fire was completed ahead of schedule. There was 100 percent participation by property owners, and an unprecedented 22,000 man-hours without a single worker injury. Continuing recovery efforts include implementation of erosion-control measures and removal of burned trees on much of the affected property.

By the numbers (as of 8/24/07):

5,700 tons of concrete delivered for recycling

48,680 tons of ash and rubble for disposal

257 homes requiring debris removal

257 sites with complete debris removal

246 sites in the sampling confirmation stage

161 sites with sample results approved

The model for citizen-local-state cooperative efforts for debris removal from the Angora Fire is being applied to the recovery efforts for the October 2007 firestorm in Southern California. More information is available on the Fire Response and Recovery website or by emailing emergresponse@calepa.ca.gov.

Sacramento Trestle Fire (Updated August 2007)

In March 2007, a wooden train trestle caught fire northeast of downtown Sacramento, California. The fire engulfed approximately 1300 feet creosote-treated wood ties and structural beams and continued to burn uncontained for 48 hours. The smoke was heavy at times and contained some potentially dangerous chemicals and particulates. In response to a request by the Sacramento air district, OEHHA and ARB identified the major potential health impacts during the fire. Their analysis is now available from the OEHHA emergency response website.

Latest Information on Emergencies:

Information on Preparing for an Emergency:

Last updated: March 25, 2009

California Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.calepa.ca.gov
General Public Contact, cepacomm@calepa.ca.gov (916) 323-2514
Technical Contact, webmaster@calepa.ca.gov