Declaration Brings State Aid; Federal Plea Awaited

SACRAMENTO —  Gov. George Deukmejian declared a state of emergency Monday for San Diego County in response to major brush fires that destroyed 64 homes and caused more than $8.5 million in damage.

But Deukmejian said he was holding off asking President Ronald Reagan to declare a corresponding national emergency until city and county officials have completed a detailed damage assessment.

The gubernatorial declaration of a state of emergency clears the way for the state to apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

In his role as emergency services director for the county, Chief Administrative Officer Clifford Graves had formally requested that the governor declare a state of emergency and that he also ask for a presidential declaration from President Reagan.

Although the emergency declaration was not made until Monday, state officials said they had been providing extensive aid and assistance to the county.

“We have responded affirmatively to every single request they have made,” said Kevin Brett, assistant press secretary to Deukmejian.

Besides paving the way for federal assistance, which can include grants, low-interest loans and temporary housing, a state declaration of emergency will:

- Ensure that fire and police personnel in San Diego get all the backup aid and assistance they need from other counties.

- Make state money available to repair or rebuild any damaged government property.

- Guarantee that fire victims won’t be slapped with higher tax assessments after fixing or replacing their damaged or destroyed homes.