This Week at Cal OES 8/24/26

This week at Cal OES highlighted the state's continued commitment to disaster response and community safety across California and beyond. A significant portion of the update focused on firefighting resources being deployed to Nevada to support the ongoing Hawkfire wildfire, demonstrating California's role in assisting neighboring states during critical times. Despite these external deployments involving over 3,300 personnel and hundreds of pieces of equipment since June, officials confirmed that these efforts have not compromised the state's ability to respond effectively to emergencies within California itself. This coordinated approach underscores the strength of mutual aid agreements that allow resources to flow where they are needed most without disrupting local safety operations. As high temperatures persist across parts of Southern California, the video emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps to protect against heat-related illnesses. Residents were urged to drink plenty of water, take regular breaks in cool or shaded areas, and actively check on neighbors, friends, and family members who may require additional support during extreme weather conditions. This public health advisory serves as a reminder that emergency management extends beyond large-scale disasters to include daily threats like heatwaves, requiring community vigilance and personal preparedness to ensure everyone remains safe throughout the summer months. The week also marked the 12th anniversary of the devastating Napa earthquake, which measured 6.0 on the magnitude scale and was the largest seismic event in the Bay Area in over 25 years. The tremor caused significant structural damage to downtown Napa, including historic landmarks such as the 1870 courthouse, prompting a reflection on the state's resilience and preparedness lessons learned from that event. In light of this anniversary, Cal OES encouraged all residents to download the MyShake app, which provides advance alerts seconds before strong shaking arrives, offering a crucial window for safety measures. Finally, the update celebrated National Emergency Management Awareness Month by recognizing the strong partnerships and shared commitments that make unified statewide emergency management possible. From local response efforts to statewide mutual aid systems, these collaborations ensure that resources and support reach communities when they need them most. Governor Gavin Newsome reflected on California's broader disaster response achievements across 12 states and two countries since June, reinforcing the message that working together through various agencies and jurisdictions creates a robust safety net for all Californians facing diverse natural hazards.