California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. declared a state of emergency Friday, following the state's driest year in recorded history.

"We can’t make it rain, but we can be much better prepared for the terrible consequences that California’s drought now threatens, including dramatically less water for our farms and communities and increased fires in both urban and rural areas," Brown said in a press conference.

"I’ve declared this emergency and I’m calling all Californians to conserve water in every way possible."

The state's rivers and reservoirs have fallen below their record lows, according to water officials. Snowpack, a major source of agricultural irrigation water, has fallen to around 20% of its typical average for this time of year.

State officials have been called upon to assist farmers and communities faced by severe water shortages. The governor also asked state agencies to use less water, hire more firefighters and improve conservation awareness efforts.

Photo: Governor Brown announces drought state of emergency, by Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.

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