Executive Department
State of California
Proclamation of a State of Emergency
Whereas on November 11, 2023, a massive fire near downtown Los Angeles damaged a portion of the I-10 freeway, a federal aid highway, requiring its temporary closure; and
Whereas the California Department of Transportation is currently assessing the extent of the damage and has crews ready to begin clean-up and repair work as soon as the first responders determine it is safe to do so; and
Whereas it is essential to complete repairs as quickly as possible to support the safe reopening of the freeway, given its importance as a transit route for motorists, emergency vehicles, and commercial goods, with an average daily traffic volume of 287,500; and
Whereas under the provisions of Government Code section 8558(b), I find that conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist due to the fire; and
Whereas under the provisions of Government Code section 8558(b), I find that the conditions caused by this fire, by reason of their magnitude, are or are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of any single local government and require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to appropriately respond; and
Whereas under the provisions of Government Code section 8625(c), I find that local authority is inadequate to cope with the magnitude of the damage caused by this fire; and
Whereas under the provisions of Government Code section 8571, I find that strict compliance with various statutes and regulations specified in this Proclamation would prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of the effects of the fire.
Now, therefore, I, Gavin Newsom, Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the State Constitution and statutes, including the California Emergency Services Act, and in particular, Government Code section 8625, HEREBY PROCLAIM A STATE OF EMERGENCY to exist in Los Angeles County due to the fire.
It is hereby ordered that:
- All agencies of the state government utilize and employ state personnel, equipment, and facilities for the performance of any and all activities consistent with the direction of the Office of Emergency Services and the State Emergency Plan to complete work to repair and reopen the I-10 freeway as soon as possible. Also, all residents are to obey the direction of emergency officials with regard to this emergency in order to protect their safety.
