Sacramento, California - The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has activated the State Operations Center to provide assistance to Lake and San Luis Obispo Counties for the Clayton and Chimney Fires, respectively.

Cal OES Fire, Law Enforcement and Southern and Coastal Region personnel are currently working with various response agencies to address all emergency management, evacuation and mutual aid needs for these fires. The recent sustained, high temperatures around the state and historic statewide drought have made ideal environment for dangerous fire conditions throughout California.

"Our State Operations Center ensures that the full capabilities of our State's mutual aid system are available to assist first responders and communities impacted by these fires," said Cal OES Director Mark Ghilarducci. "California's emergency managers and first responders are the best in the nation, and we work together to bring critical resources to the table for incidents like these."

The Clayton Fire, which started on August 13 in Lake County, has burned an estimated 3,000 acres. Approximately 10 residences have been destroyed and 1,500 additional structures are still threatened.

The Chimney Fire also started on August 13 in San Luis Obispo County and has burned an estimated 4,300 acres. Approximately 12 residences have been destroyed and 20 other structures damaged. There are an additional 200 structures are threatened.

There are currently over 9,074 firefighters deployed to assist with fires statewide, with several hundred on order. Cal OES is working to coordinate and dispatch state resources such as mutual aid fire engines, firefighting personnel, and other specialty equipment needed.