More Than A Dozen Wildfires Prompt Governor To Declare State Of Emergency

(AP) — More than a dozen wildfires threatening homes and infrastructure in California has prompted Gov. Jerry Brown to declare a state of emergency.

Brown proclaimed the emergency Saturday as the fires in the central and far northern part of the state burn thousands of acres, destroy homes and damage critical infrastructure.

Dry lightning and severe drought conditions are exacerbating the fire danger throughout the state. Brown's emergency proclamation said that the magnitude of the fires will require cooperation from many agencies and state governments.

He also secured a federal grant Saturday to cover 75 percent of the cost to fight a nearly 33-square-mile wildfire that started in Oregon and crossed into California.