California's top fire official retiring after historic wildfire seasons
California wildfires so far in 2021 greatly exceed 2020 levels
Between Jan. 1 and July 4 there were 4,599 fires that scorched 114.8 square miles, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. In the same time frame last year there were 3,847 fires that blackened 48.6 square miles. Jesse Gary reports
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California's top wildfire official reportedly announced his retirement in an email to colleagues on Monday.
According to Capital Public Radio reporter Scott Todd, Cal Fire Chief Thom Porter plans to leave his post on Dec. 10, after leading the state through two historic wildfire seasons.
"I will be returning to San Diego to focus on family, aging parents, and self," Porter said in the email. Adding hat "a piece of my heart is and will always be with CAL FIRE.
Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Porter to the position in January of 2019, not long after California's deadliest fire--- the Camp Fire that killed 80.
"Chief Porter has seen the state through unprecedented wildfire challenges over the past three years, and Californians are fortunate to have had his steadfast leadership guiding our preparedness, response and recovery efforts," Newsom wrote in a statement.