S.O.S. for fire victims

Butte County declared a state of emergency Tuesday (Sept. 5) and petitioned Gov. Jerry Brown to do the same in response to the Ponderosa Fire. At the time, the blaze near Oroville was three-quarters contained, having burnt over 4,000 acres and 44 structures, including 32 homes.

The Board of Supervisors held a special meeting to ratify the emergency declaration issued by Brian Ring, acting chief administrative officer while Paul Hahn was out of town. That step is required before seeking emergency assistance from state and federal sources.

The county also announced the opening of a local assistance center today and Friday at the Feather Falls Grange (9 Lumpkin Road) for residents who lost buildings to the fire, which started Aug. 29 due to a runaway campfire lit in an undesignated area.