We know we are not alone in our sorrow and shock over the staggering loss of lives and property due to wildfire in California.
These fires serve as a sobering reminder that we also live, work and play in a dry environment, where wildfire is a very real possibility. This is why we at the DCFP work so hard to support the implementation of strategic, multi-step process of forest restoration. Treatments like careful logging, mowing, and controlled burning are used together to improve the health of our forest, reduce the risk of out-of-control wildfires, reduce the severity of future wildfires when they do occur, and will keep our cherished communities and first responders safer.
In the meantime, these are the best ways to help those affected by the Camp Wildfire:
Organizations accepting donations for Camp Wildfire relief:
The Chico-based nonprofit North Valley Community Foundation is accepting online donations to an Evacuation Relief Fund that will support organizations that are sheltering Camp Fire evacuees.
The Butte County Office of Education has set up a Schools Relief Fund, administered online by the North Valley Community Foundation, to directly benefit Butte County schools. Donors can either specify a district or use for their money (such as textbooks or clothes) or make an open donation.
The county’s Camp Fire Emergency Response Program is accepting donated items at 2850 Feather River Blvd. in Oroville. A list of needed items is available here from the Oroville Hope Center.
The United Way of Northern California has established a NorCal Fire Relief Fund to benefit Camp Fire relief efforts, including “direct cash assistance for survivors, assistance to partner agencies in their provision of direct services to survivors, and United Way operations that directly assist survivors.” Donate online or by texting BUTTEFIRE to 91999. Businesses and organizations interested in helping contribute to the fund can call Jacob Peterson at 530-241-7521 or 916-218-5424. You can also email him at jpeterson@norcalunitedway.org.
The Salvation Army is accepting monetary donations to support their immediate response efforts. You can give online or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). Donations by mail may be designated “Camp Fire” and sent to:
The Salvation Army
PO Box 348000
Sacramento, CA 95834
The Chico-based Enloe Medical Center Foundation has set up a relief fund to help patients, families and caregivers who have lost their homes or been displaced due to the fire. You can donate online or text “CampFireRelief” to 91999.
Tri Counties Bank has set up a fund to help the victims of the Camp Fire. The bank made an initial deposit of $25,000 in the account, and the bank’s GoFundMe page for the fire fund has raised more than $86,000 since it opened on Nov. 9. You can donate to the fund on GoFundMe, or at any Tri Counties Bank location.
GoFundMe created a page with verified campaigns raising money for victims of the Camp Fire and the Woolsey and Hill fires in Southern California. The page includes large campaigns like the Tri Counties Bank campaign, as well as campaigns for individual families who have lost their homes.
The American Red Cross is accepting online donations to help people affected by the California wildfires (select the appropriate option from the dropdown menu). You can also donate by calling 1-800-733-2767 or texting “CAWILDFIRES” to 90999.
The Veterans Resource Center is accepting monetary donations online (designate “Camp Fire” in the comments field) and items that can be dropped off at the center in Chico (10 Amber Grove Drive, Ste 114, Chico). On Monday, they published a list of needed items — see it here.
The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund supports intermediate and long-term recovery efforts for major California wildfires, as well as preparedness efforts. You can donate online or mail checks (noting “Wildfire Relief Fund”) to:
California Community Foundation
221 S. Figueroa St., Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Yuba/Sutter Habitat for Humanity is accepting monetary donations (in person or online), gift cards, and donations of unused clothing, blankets, hygiene products, or non-perishable food items. Donations can be dropped off at their ReStore (202 D Street, Marysville, CA 95901) during business hours. More information can be found here.
The New Earth Market in Yuba City has also been collecting gift cards to distribute to evacuees. Information on their efforts can be found on the market’s Facebook page.
The Presbytery of Sacramento has established a Camp Fire Relief Fund to assist the Chico-based Bidwell Presbyterian Church in responding to families affected by the Camp Fire. Individuals and churches interested in donating can send checks to:
Presbytery of Sacramento
CAMP FIRE RELIEF FUND
9983 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95827
Bidwell Presbyterian is also collaborating with the Salvation Army to distribute donated items and holding “pop-up shops” for evacuees. More information on their efforts can be found on their website and Facebook page.
CAIR-SV has joined with Islamic Centers and mosques to raise money for cash cards for victims, to be distributed by the Islamic Center of Chico. You can donate online to their LaunchGood fundraiser, which has raised more than $20,000 so far.
Sacramento-based nonprofit RedRover has a list of resources for helping animals affected by the California wildfires here.
The Butte Humane Society has opened a pet food and supply pantry at 2580 Fair Street in Chico. It’s open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can donate and find more information on their Facebook page. Questions can be directed to Katrina at katrinawoodcox@buttehumane.org.
Housing:
North Valley Property Owners Association in collaboration with other local nonprofit groups has created a resource to assist evacuees in locating long-term housing. Those who can offer long-term housing can be added to the database here.
Airbnb has activated its Open Homes feature for the Camp Fire, where people can make their homes available for free to displaced people and relief workers. Add your home or find shelter here.
