Five members of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) head to support California’s Wildfire Recovery efforts as the state battles one of its most destructive wildfire events.
Since January 7, 2025, wildfires have scorched more than 48,000 acres of land in Southern California. The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, the largest of 31 active blazes, caused extensive damage, destroying or damaging over 17,700 structures. The fires have claimed 28 lives, injured at least 22 people, and left 31 others missing. More than 205,000 residents have evacuated, and communities remain in crisis.
Severe drought, dense vegetation, and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds exceeding 100 mph have intensified the fires, allowing the flames to spread with unprecedented speed. Local responders continue to struggle with limited resources.
The NJOEM team, responding to an Emergency Management Assistance Compact request, will assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program. Their mission involves conducting site inspections, assessing damage, and providing technical guidance to local and county officials on disaster recovery projects. Serving as Program Delivery Managers and Task Force Leaders, they will help lead rebuilding efforts.
NJOEM Deploying to California to Support Disaster RecoveryIn response to an Emergency Management Assistance Compact…
Posted by New Jersey State Police on Thursday, January 23, 2025
Upon arrival, the team will undergo onboarding in Pasadena, Calif., before deploying to operational sites such as Emergency Operations Centers, Disaster Recovery Centers, and Local Assistance Centers.
As California endures one of its most challenging wildfire seasons, New Jersey remains committed to supporting disaster-stricken communities across the nation and being a part of California’s Wildfire Recovery.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
- Staffhttps://thedigestonline.com/author/thedigeststaff/
- Staffhttps://thedigestonline.com/author/thedigeststaff/
- Staffhttps://thedigestonline.com/author/thedigeststaff/
- Staffhttps://thedigestonline.com/author/thedigeststaff/