DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY
LUCE COUNTY
WHEREAS, Section 1 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the state of Michigan in the Governor;
WHEREAS, under the Emergency Management Act, 1976 PA 390, MCL 30.401 to 30.421, the Governor is responsible for coping with dangers to this state or the people of this state presented by a disaster or emergency or threat thereof , and may issue executive orders, proclamations, and directives having the force and effect of law to implement the Act;
WHEREAS, under Section 3 of the Emergency Management Act, 1976 PA 390, MCL 30.403, the Governor shall, by executive order or proclamation, declare a state of emergency if the Governor finds that an emergency has occurred or that the threat of an emergency exists;
WHEREAS, on August 2, 2007, Luce County sustained widespread and severe damage, and loss of property caused by a wildland fire;
WHEREAS, the wildland fire continues to grow due to exceptionally dry and hot weather conditions and shifting wind patterns, and has thus far consumed more than 16,000 acres of land in Luce County;
WHEREAS, Luce County lacks the financial resources and the man-power to contain the rapidly progressing fire, and has formally requested the Governor to declare a state of emergency and to provide state assistance;
WHEREAS, since August 2, 2007, multiple state and local units of government have worked cooperatively and exhaustively, combining manpower and other resources in attempts to contain the rapidly spreading wildfire;
WHEREAS, despite these valiant efforts, the wildfire is not contained and it continues to destroy forest land in Luce County;
WHEREAS, additional state assistance is needed to supplement existing firefighting capabilities to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe, and to protect and preserve the lives and property, and public health and safety in Luce County;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM, Governor of the state of Michigan, by virtue of the power and authority vested in the Governor by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, order:
1. A state of emergency is declared in Luce County.
2. Consistent with the Michigan Emergency Plan, the Director of the Department of State Police, or his or her designee within the Department of State Police, shall coordinate and maximize all state efforts to assist political subdivisions and officials in Luce County and may call upon all state departments and agencies to utilize available resources, including, but not limited to: man-power, supplies, equipment, materials, or facilities, to assist with response to the state of emergency.
3. The state of emergency is terminated at such time as emergency conditions no longer exist and appropriate programs have been implemented to recover from the effects of the emergency conditions, but in no case longer than September 5, 2007.
This Order is effective upon filing.
Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan this 8th day of August, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and seven.
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JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM
GOVERNOR
BY THE GOVERNOR:
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SECRETARY OF STATE
