The Board of Supervisors ratified a state of emergency today in response to the massive Sand Fire burning in the Santa Clarita area and called for a review of the county’s aerial firefighting apparatus in light of the ever-expanding fire season.
“Now our fire season is 12 months out of the year” versus a few months, Supervisor Michael Antonovich told his colleagues.
Fire officials have said the Southland already has one of the largest fleets of firefighting aircraft in the country, and Antonovich said 28 aircraft were being used to battle the Sand Fire. But he said the county can always use more.
The county plans to review the possibility of buying, leasing or partnering with other agencies to bring on SuperScoopers, rotary or fixed-wing aircraft.
The county leases a Helitanker which is set to arrive Aug. 1, two weeks earlier than planned, and three SuperScooper aircraft from Canada that are expected to arrive in early September.
However, given the “extreme ongoing risk of fire” because of the five- year drought, Antonovich recommended exploring options for having at least one of the leased aircraft available year-round.
Antonovich informally proclaimed the state of emergency on Monday.
Damage assessment has begun even though the fire is only 25 percent contained. The declaration is the first step in obtaining state funding to help cover the costs of the fire, including efforts to rebuild homes and businesses damaged or destroyed by the blaze.
Some of the money may also be used to manage health concerns about air quality in the wake of the fire.
