Senator Atkins Reacts to California Wildfires

Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) today made the following statement regarding the wildfires that are currently ravaging parts of California:

“As I witness the wildfires burning across California, I can’t help but vividly recall the devastating San Diego wildfires of 2003 and 2007, when I served on the City Council, and my heart goes out to the communities throughout the state that are facing the same danger today. This is a lesson that fires don’t discriminate—they affect communities from our prized wine country to the rural areas in the Sierra foothills.

“Unfortunately, years of drought, followed by a record breaking winter, has fueled a massive growth of underbrush. At the same time, trees are still damaged from years of little rainfall. This is California’s new reality. Extreme weather conditions, attributed to climate change, have brought fires to California and larger and more frequent hurricanes to our South and East. It simply cannot go unnoticed that the same year that brought us hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Marie is also bringing these horrific fires to California.

“San Diegans are all too familiar with the damage that wildfires cause, and the pain that the people to our north are facing – with the loss of life, homes and pets – cannot be quantified.

“The first responders at Cal Fire and local fire departments throughout the state are making incredible sacrifices and working around the clock. These brave men and women need our support.”

Visit this site for updates on the condition of the wildfires.

Here is a good rundown of ways to help those affected.

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