Wildfire Disaster Relief Efforts
Park Fire
About 4,000 firefighters are working non-stop to contain the Park Fire in Northern California. The fire is “the biggest active blaze in the nation”, according to NPR, and has already burned nearly 400,000 acres.
North Valley Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund has awarded $92,500 in grants for Park Fire relief, with more to come.
California Fire Foundation is working to provide cash cards and other resources to survivors of the Park Fire through their Disaster Relief program. The cards provide immediate relief to individuals and families so they may purchase necessities such as medicine, food, gas, lodging, or clothing.
They have also partnered with the Northern Valley Catholic Social Services and United Way of Northern California.
Northern Valley Catholic Social Services Wildfire Resilience Fund supports causes such as providing Psychological First Aid and Crisis counselors at shelters and deploying Case Managers in collaboration with local shelters.
Gold Complex Fire in Plumas County
The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office reports the Smith and Mill fires combined into what is now being called the Gold Complex Fire. The fire was caused by four dry lightning strikes that occurred during a thunderstorm in the area on Monday, July 22, and spread quickly due to high winds and dry fuel material.
According to the US Forest Service for Plumas National Forest, more than 3,000 acres have burned as of Wednesday, July 24. There are several areas that are under evacuation orders and warnings.
Community Foundation staff have been in close contact with The Almanor Foundation and Plumas Rural Services about how to support relief efforts. Some of the most pressing needs and front-line organizations are listed below, should you wish to make a contribution personally or through your Donor Advised Fund.
Plumas Rural Services is currently supporting evacuees with needs beyond basic - such as medical needs, gas needs, etc. Additionally, they plan to provide gift cards for expenses evacuees have incurred as they return home to the Quincy and Portola areas.
Almanor Foundation is supporting efforts through its Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund. Donations can be made directly online. The Fund supports immediate, intermediate, and long-term recovery efforts for wildfires affecting Plumas County Residents, as well as preparedness efforts. The relief fund provides emergency relief and support through grants to nonprofits and agencies.
Other organization identified as leading the relief efforts in the area are:
Plumas Crisis Intervention and Resource Center
United Way of Northern California
Red Cross of Northern California has opened an evacuation shelter at Quincy High School for evacuated residents and is providing emergency assistance.