AUBURN, CA (MPG) - The Placer County Board of Supervisors on September 13, 2022, ratified the county’s proclamation of a local emergency for the Mosquito Fire, as conditions continued to fuel fire growth into the evening. 

The board’s action ratifies a proclamation by the county’s director of emergency services made Sept. 7. 

Governor Gavin Newsom also proclaimed a state of emergency for Placer and El Dorado counties due to the Mosquito Fire, and California secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help ensure the availability of vital resources to suppress"¯the Mosquito Fire burning in El Dorado and Placer counties.  

Since its start Sept. 6, the Mosquito Fire has burned 58,544 acres across Placer and El Dorado counties and destroyed 64 structures, including at least 10 residences in Placer County. More than 6,000 Placer residents remain under evacuation orders and warnings, of whom more than 100 have taken shelter at American Red Cross emergency centers since the start of the incident. Placer County Animal Services and partners continue to provide care and shelter to more than 350 evacuated pets and animals.  

“I know this fire has been very tough for our residents in Foresthill, Todd Valley and Michigan Bluff, and the smoke has affected all of us,” said Board Chair and District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. “We all know how critical this is and I’m so grateful for the tremendous efforts of our first responders and county staff working around the clock to stop this fire and support all who’ve been affected.” 

State law allows local governments to proclaim a local emergency when disaster conditions overwhelm the capabilities of local services, personnel, equipment and facilities. The proclamation will aid the county in its efforts to seek state funding and support recovery operations throughout the county. 

Placer is preparing to support the fastest possible recovery for impacted residents. A recovery website has been established to share new information and resources as they’re made available at https://www.placer.ca.gov/MosquitoFireRecovery. Residents can also sign up on the site for email notification of new developments. 

Plans are underway to establish a local assistance center once evacuated residents are allowed to return - a one-stop-shop for recovery and rebuilding information and resources.  

Typical offerings at a local assistance center include essential document replacement, property tax adjustments, housing and social services, grief counseling and initial building services consultations, among others.