Gov. Steve Cowper declared a statewide emergency and called on the National Guard to help fight the fires.

The governor can call the Guard into action during local or statewide emergencies, such as storms, drought, and civil disturbances, to name a few.

Last year, the girls opened a few select dates for classic rock legends the Eagles, but this year it took a statewide emergency to bring the Chicks out on stage.

I had my own mobilizing to do and started with assembling everyone in the conference room, where I declared a statewide emergency.

The governor can call the National Guard into action during local or statewide emergencies, such as storms, fires, earthquakes or civil disturbances.

Deals with statewide emergencies.

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal declared a statewide emergency.

Last month, Gov. Christine Gregoire of Washington declared a statewide emergency and asked her legislature for $12 million to help farmers and prepare firefighters.

And although several towns in New Jersey declared local emergencies after roads became inundated and bridges unpassable, no statewide emergency was declared.

Mr. Janiszewski called the statewide emergency prudent.