State of Emergency in the above case means that the entire state of California is under a risk of forest fores.(I dint know the reason of the fire). So the government has given warning to all the residents to be careful and co-operative at the time of the incident...
In order to declare a state of emergency, there has to be a natural disaster, epidemic, or another event that dramatically effects a large area. Some examples of "state of emergency" events would be forest fires, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, etc.
Forest service people were sent from all over the state to fight the fires as well a local fire departments. The governor also declared the area a disaster area so this will provide funds and tax breaks for the people who lost homes.
By having effective emergency service.
In south of California.
The Canberra bushfires of 2003 were started by lightning strikes in the Kosciuszko National Park to the west of the ACT. These spread to the adjoining Brindabella and Namadgi National Parks near Canberra and a state of emergency was declared in the city itself when, at 2.45pm on 18 January 2003, the fires reached the outskirts of Canberra and began encroaching upon the city. The fires were exacerbated by the heat and dry conditions, a common problem in southern inland Australia in summer.
Luminous signs are easier to find when there is an emergency.
fires, floods and civil disturbances
The most common household emergency in Milwaukee, WI is choking. The second common household emergency is drownings and fires.
In south of California.
Fire departments are built to provide emergency response and suppression of fires in the community. They help protect life and property by extinguishing fires, conducting rescue operations, and providing emergency medical services. Fire departments also play a role in fire prevention and education to promote safety and reduce the risks of fires.
The link below is a great place for the fires of 2008 in california.
Depending on where you are the winds carry the smoke.