Gov. Newsom: Crews battling 23 active wildfires across California
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday said there are 23 major fires burning throughout the state from the East Bay down to Southern California.
In addition to the major fires, there are more than 350 other smaller ones.
So far, there have been 6,754 fires since the start of this year compared to 4,000 last year.
"This fire season has been very active," he said. And the blazes have "stretched the resources of this state."
Most of the fires occurred as a result of the more than 10,400 lightning strikes over the last few days, coupled with record heat.
In that vein, he said California has formed partnerships with the U.S, Forest Service to get backup help including $85 million for firefighting in the state budget.
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Newsom also modified the times for the statewide Flex Alert, which will be from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday.
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On Tuesday, Newsom declared a statewide emergency over the fires burning across the state and the governor's office said the emergency declaration will help ensure the availability of vital resources to help combat fires burning at each end of the state.
This story was reported from Oakland, Calif.