Article 11. Mutual Aid of California Government Code >> Division 1. >> Title 2. >> Chapter 7. >> Article 11.

It is the purpose of the Legislature in enacting this article to facilitate the rendering of aid to areas stricken by an emergency and to make unnecessary the execution of written agreements customarily entered into by public agencies exercising joint powers. Emergency plans duly adopted and approved as provided by the Governor shall be effective as satisfying the requirement for mutual aid operational plans provided in the Master Mutual Aid Agreement.

During any state of war emergency or state of emergency when the need arises for outside aid in any county, city and county, or city, such aid shall be rendered in accordance with approved emergency plans. It shall be the duty of public officials to cooperate to the fullest possible extent in carrying out such plans.

In periods other than a state of war emergency, a state of emergency, or a local emergency, state agencies and political subdivisions have authority to exercise mutual aid powers in accordance with the Master Mutual Aid Agreement and local ordinances, resolutions, agreements, or plans therefor.

Unless otherwise expressly provided by the parties, the responsible local official in whose jurisdiction an incident requiring mutual aid has occurred shall remain in charge at such incident, including the direction of personnel and equipment provided him through mutual aid.

The Governor may on behalf of this state enter into reciprocal aid agreements or compacts, mutual aid plans, or other interstate arrangements for the protection of life and property with other states and the federal government, either on a statewide basis or a political subdivision basis. Prior to committing the personnel, equipment, or facilities of any political subdivision of this state, the Governor shall consult with the chief executive or governing body of such political subdivision. Such mutual aid arrangements may include the furnishing or exchange, on such terms and conditions as are deemed necessary, of supplies, equipment, facilities, personnel, and services.

(a) The Office of Emergency Services, in consultation with relevant local and state agencies, shall develop and adopt a state fire service and rescue emergency mutual aid plan that does all of the following:
  (1) Provides a systematic mobilization, organization, and operation of necessary fire, rescue, and hazardous material resources of the state in mitigating the effects of disasters.
  (2) Provides comprehensive and compatible plans for the expedient mobilization and response of available fire, rescue, and hazardous materials resources on a local, area, regional, and statewide basis.
  (3) Establishes guidelines for recruiting and training auxiliary personnel to augment fire, rescue, and hazardous materials personnel during disaster operations.
  (4) Provides for an annually updated fire, rescue, and hazardous materials response inventory of all personnel and equipment in California.
  (5) Provides for the interchange and dissemination of fire, rescue, and hazardous materials-related data, directives, and information among fire and rescue officials of local, state, and federal agencies.
  (6) Promotes annual training or exercises, or both training and exercises, among plan participants.
  (b) The state fire service and rescue emergency mutual aid plan shall be an annex to the State Emergency Plan.
  (c) The State Emergency Plan and the state fire service and rescue mutual aid plan shall be operated pursuant to Article 9.5 (commencing with Section 8607).