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Board ratifies Salt Fire emergency, discusses sheltering and upcoming preparedness fair
Summary
Fresno County supervisors ratified a local emergency declaration for the Salt Fire and heard updates on ongoing response to the Garnett Fire and on a county preparedness fair scheduled for Sept. 20.
Fresno County supervisors on Sept. 9 ratified a proclamation of local emergency for the Salt Fire and heard updates about the Garnett Fire and county preparedness efforts.
The county administrative officer told the board she had signed a proclamation of emergency on Sept. 4 for the Salt Fire and requested ratification; the board approved the ratification by voice vote.
Representatives from the county Office of Emergency Services and Public Health briefed the board during a proclamation recognizing National Preparedness Month. Jason Passmore and Sarah Via (Office of Emergency Services) and other agency partners described a preparedness fair planned for Sept. 20 at the DSS building near the 911 Memorial. The fair will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., include first-responder displays, non-profit and city booths, and health services such as a free flu clinic by CVS and blood-pressure checks by UnitedHealthcare.
County emergency staff described operational steps taken as fires evolved: the emergency operation center was opened at a low level when activity increased; county and partner agencies have attended daily cooperators’ briefings; sheltering options have been staged and location planning has shifted as fire activity moved. Staff said they have coordinated possible shelter sites in Clovis and North Fresno as the Garnett Fire activity changed and that large-animal shelter arrangements had been prepared for the Salt Fire but were not ultimately needed.
The board heard that the Garnett Fire had moved resources and that interagency coordination with Cal OES, Fresno Fire and the sheriff’s office was ongoing. Supervisors commended County Public Works and other departments for support and noted the different behavior and containment strategies for fires in mountain and bulldozer-driven incidents.
Ending: The board ratified the Salt Fire emergency and encouraged continued public vigilance and participation in the preparedness fair; emergency operations and shelter planning continue as fires evolve.
