California governor requests major disaster declaration amid raging wildfires

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- California's Governor Jerry Brown requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to bolster ongoing state and local recovery efforts in response to the Southern California wildfires on Wednesday.

Brush fires across the region were fed by extremely high winds, low humidity, warm temperatures and dry fuel. More than 200,000 Californians were forced to evacuate by multiple fires.

Over 8,700 firefighters were deployed to fight the fires, including the California National Guard air and ground forces. Twelve states -- Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming -- have deployed resources to help battle the fires, according to a press release of the office of the governor.

The most dynamic brush fire, dubbed the Thomas Fire, which broke out on Dec. 4 in Ventura County, has burned more than 270,000 acres (1,092 square km), destroyed over 1,000 structures and resulted in two fatalities. The fire is only 60 percent contained to date and on track to become the largest fire in the history of the western U.S. state.

"These fires collectively caused extensive damage to primary residences and infrastructure and continue to pose a direct threat to public health and safety," wrote Brown in the request, noting that the incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state of California and affected local governments.

The major disaster declaration aims to bolster ongoing state and local recovery efforts.

"Supplemental federal assistance is necessary," Brown added.

California has endured an unprecedented fire season thus far. Brown has proclaimed states of emergency for 19 fire events throughout the state since July and there have been over 8,747 fire starts in California since January. Enditem