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Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 145-2024, ratifying the Proclamation of a Local Health Emergency declared by the Public Health Officer on August 8, 2024, due to an imminent and proximate threat to public health from the Crozier Fire that began in El Dorado County on August 7, 2024.
FUNDING: N/A
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
On August 7, 2024, the Crozier Fire began near Slate Mountain, resulting in mandatory and voluntary evacuations of thousands of El Dorado County residents. Since the onset of the Crozier Fire, the County Public Health Officer has been in close collaboration with El Dorado Sheriff’s Office and various county departments. Recent events have increased the need for staff support, resource procurement, and evaluation of community need.
Health and Safety Code section 101080 authorizes a local health officer to declare a local health emergency in the health officer’s jurisdiction, or any part thereof, whenever the health officer reasonably determines that there is an imminent and proximate threat to the health and safety of the community due to, among other things, introduction of any chemical agent, toxin, or radioactive agent.
On August 8, 2024, the County’s Public Health Officer, pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 101080, declared a local health emergency based on an imminent and proximate threat to the public health and safety of the community from the Crozier Fire due to the hazardous nature of the wildfire debris, smoke, and ash from the burning of infrastructure, structures, and various contents thereof. Pursuant to Government Code Section 8630, the Board of Supervisors may ratify a local emergency that has been proclaimed by an official designated by ordinance. To continue the proclamation of local health emergency declared by the Public Health Officer on August 8, 2024, the Board needs to ratify this action within seven days for the local emergency to remain in effect.
HHSA recommends approval of this agenda item as these actions enable the County to respond to the Crozier Fire more effectively, to seek and utilize mutual aid, to obtain state and federal funds (if available), and to ensure that the County’s resources and public health professionals, as well as the community at large, have all the necessary tools at their disposal to keep the community safe.
ALTERNATIVES:
If the Board chooses not to ratify the local emergency, it will end on August 14, 2024.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION:
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
El Dorado Sheriff’s Office and County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no immediate or direct financial impact related to the adoption of this Resolution.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board to obtain signature of Chair on the ratification Resolution attached.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one (1) signed copy of the Resolution to HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Rd, Suite B.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
N/A
CONTACT
Olivia Byron-Cooper, MPH, Director, Health and Human Services Agency