Local State Of Emergency Declared In Powerhouse Fire
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a proclamation Tuesday declaring a local state of emergency from the 32,000-acre Powerhouse Fire.
The blaze, which is 60 percent contained, has destroyed six structures and damaged 15 others, according to authorities.
The declaration of a local state of emergency is intended to waive regulations that might hinder recovery efforts as fire damage assessments continue.
"Economic assistance is necessary for those businesses and individuals who may not be able to recover from this event," Supervisor Michael Antonovich said.
The proclamation will now go to California's Emergency Management Agency, with a request that the governor issue a proclamation under the California Disaster Assistance Act.
Earlier estimates said the cost of fighting the fire had topped $8.5 million.
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