Unit Chief briefs Governor on California Fires

San Bernardino Unit Chief Doug McKain was called on today to brief California Governor Arnold Swarchenegger on the fires currently burning throughout California. The Governor was visiting the Crown Fire which has as of this afternoon burned 13,000 acres and destroyed four residences and 5 out buildings. The fire continues to threaten the City of Palmdale. http://fire.lacounty.gov/ The fire is burning or threatening State Responsibility Land that CAL FIRE contracts with Los Angeles County Fire to protect. Chief McKain was asked as the Cal Fire Agency Administrator to brief the Governor on the fire situation across the state. Chief McKain's briefing followed a briefing by L.A. County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman who described the actions, events and current situation on the Crown Fire.

Following the briefings, Governor Swarchenegger participated in a news conference that detailed the efforts of firefighters to control the Crown fire and other fires burning in the state. The Governor praised California's firefighters as the best in the world and thanked them for all their efforts. Additionally, the Governor took the opportunity to address the need for defensible space around homes in the wildland interface area as well as cautioning residents to have a plan for evacuation and to be ready to go when advised to do so.

The news conference was heavily attended by the Los Angeles and Antelope Valley news media.