SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – In a press conference Wednesday, Governor Gavin Newsom addressed wildfires, a continuing heat wave, and the coronavirus pandemic.
There are currently 367 known fires burning statewide, and 23 major fires/complexes burning.
Gov. Newsom said the state has experienced 10,849 lightning strikes in the last 72 hours.
Most of the fires that have sparked in the Bay Area were due to severe thunderstorms and lightning strikes over the weekend.
“We are experiencing fires, the likes of which we haven’t seen in many, many years,” Newsom said.
In the Bay Area, three complexes have been burning since Sunday, and have scorched a combined 141,000+ acres at last check. There is at least one fire in every Bay Area county, except San Francisco. Thousands remain under orders to evacuate.
“The last 72 hours has certainly stretched the resources of this state but with that said, we are in a better state of preparedness,” Newsom said.
Gov. Newsom on Tuesday declared a state of emergency to aid in wildfire protections and efforts.
“This is an incredibly resilient state, we will get through this moment in time as we have in the past,” Newsom said.
Meanwhile, the state has staved off another round of rolling blackouts as an ongoing heat wave strained its electrical grid, but authorities warn of a continuing threat. High temperatures are expected to continue through the week, although forecasts called for the high pressure to gradually weaken, according to the National Weather Service.
In regards to the coronavirus pandemic, California had recorded more than 632,000 confirmed cases and 11,342 deaths at last check.
Latest Stories: