[22] On September 28, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared the state of emergency for Napa, Sonoma and Shasta counties due to the Glass and Zogg fires ravaging the area at the time.
[23] A day later, on September 29, the Governor signed a series of bills aimed at improving the state's wildfire preparedness, supporting the mitigation efforts, and assisting victims.
[24] On October 1, 2020, Newsom visited an area in Napa county hard hit by the Glass Fire and promised at a press conference that he would seek long-term solutions to the wildfire problems facing the state.
[40] Although there are studies and examples proving that fire incidents that occur in extreme weather are difficult to avoid despite defensible space policies,[41] this will allow estate owners and firefighters to have more reaction time.
[45] According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), those with an existing respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease or diabetes, as well as seniors, children, and pregnant women, are at higher risk of health complications when exposed to wildfire smoke.
[46] Stanford University researchers estimate that approximately 3,000 deaths in August and September 2020 in California can be attributed to exposure to wildfire smoke, especially among seniors with pre-existing conditions.
[48] Two evacuations in five weeks of the Adventist St. Helena Hospital in Napa County forced all patients and staff to relocate,[49] limiting access to health care.