SACRAMENTO, CA – Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a new partnership between the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, San Manuel Fire Department, and California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System, as the state continues to highlight Wildfire Preparedness Month ahead of peak wildfire season.
Led by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), the partnership expands the state’s robust mutual aid system, supplying a fleet of more than 270 fire engines to over 150 fire departments across the state. During disasters like a wildfire, the partnership may be called upon to increase local capacity by moving resources to an anticipated disaster-risk area and responding to emergency incidents statewide.
Earlier this month, Cal OES announced new partnerships with the Barona Band of Mission Indians, Barona Fire Department, Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, and Viejas Fire Department.
“California tribal nations understand this land and how to respond to it better than any other community – they have been doing so since time immemorial,” said Governor Newsom. “Their participation in the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System is an advantage for all Californians, and all our communities will be safer for it.”
The partnerships are possible because of legislation SB 816 by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa), signed by Governor Newsom, allowing the state to enter into mutual aid agreements with tribes, boosting tribal access for federal funding and reimbursements when they assist with disasters, like wildfires.
“This government-to-government partnership provides for San Manuel to play an even more significant role in safeguarding California,” said Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena. “The Governor and legislature recognize the critical role of tribes in managing emergency services, and through this agreement, we enhance our capacity to carry out the essential governmental responsibility of protecting people, wildlife, and our sacred ancestral lands.”
“Adding a new tribal nation to the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System is a source of pride for Cal OES,” said Nancy Ward, Cal OES Director. “Deploying additional resources in California communities means we can keep more people safe as we continue to strive towards swifter disaster response.”