WHEREAS, the State of Florida has been besieged by wildfires due to drought and has requested assistance from the State of South Carolina under the terms of the Southern Regional Emergency Management Compact, as provided in Section 25-9-420 of the South Carolina Code of Laws; and

WHEREAS, Florida civil authorities have specifically requested the support of South Carolina's fire service organizations to assist in the suppression of these wildfires; and

WHEREAS, the State Forestry Commission, and county and municipal fire departments are prepared to provide this assistance, contingent upon State assistance with fire equipment transportation to the impacted area; and

WHEREAS, the South Carolina National Guard possesses the unique and immediately available capability to transport this emergency equipment to the area and return it to South Carolina following the completion of this mission.

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers conferred upon me by the Constitution and Statutes of this State, I hereby direct the Adjutant General to place on state duty and utilize the South Carolina National Guard's personnel and equipment, as he deems necessary, to fulfill the stated mission in support of the State of Florida during this time of emergency.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 1ST DAY OF JULY 1998.

DAVID M. BEASLEY
GOVERNOR

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 11:19 A.M.