State of Emergency Declared in California in Response to Wildfires

California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency on Friday in response to the severe wildfires burning across the state.

The severe drought that has been plaguing the state is said to be a major contributor to the fires, according to the governor’s office.

“California’s severe drought and extreme weather have turned much of the state into a tinderbox,” Brown said. “Our courageous firefighters are on the front lines and we’ll do everything we can to help them.”

Issuing the state of emergency will help to get more firefighters and disaster relief resources to help combat the flames.  There are at least 18 large fires currently burning, primarily in the northern portion of the state.