You are the Director of Emergency Services for your community. The temperature outside is over 100
degrees, the humidity is only 17%, and the Santa Ana winds have begun to blow. At 10:15 a.m. a grass fire
is reported and the local fire department is responding. As these first units arrive on scene they realize
that the fire is out of control, and that homes are being threatened.
The on-scene commander quickly calls for additional fire units and for the police to begin evacuating
homes that are being threatened. By 1:30 hours the fire has grown 10 times its original size and continues
out of control; several houses are in immediate danger, and all local resources are now exhausted.
What steps would you take and when would you call for mutual aid? Additionally, at what point would you
request federal assistance? Discuss the options available to you as the Director of Emergency Services.
Provide a thorough explanation for your choices.