Northern California Fires: How to Help
Most recent 2008 California Fire Updates now posted in these documents:
- Northern California Fires - General Information
- Big Sur Fires 2008: How to Help
- Butte County Fires 2008: How to Help
Submit Fire Information:
If your organization is involved in disaster relief for the Northern California fires, please e-mail me your information and I'll add your resources to the master lists on the above pages.
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It's not an exaggeration to say that Northern California is on fire. This fire map from the San Francisco Chronicle shows a pathway of blazes stretching from Monterey County up to the Oregon border in the north.
The air throughout the Bay Area -- and radiating way beyond -- is thick with that orange-tinged haze. And depending on where you live and which way the wind blows, the air quality has many cloistered indoors -- well, those not dramatically and directly affected by the fires and evacuations. The American Lung Association has a fact sheet on dealing with air quality issues related to forest fires.
The word hearbreak doesn't even cover the spectrum of how many of us feel about our wild lands ablaze. Even when news reports try to reassure with "no homes damaged" commentary, it's impossible to ignore the devastation to forests and parks . . . and the wildlife losses that ensue.
Where to Get Fire Updates
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection posts regular updates here on the fires in progress and their containment levels.
Helping Human Victims of Fire
If you live in a fire area -- and are safe -- with an Internet connection -- you can register with the Red Cross -- to let searching family and friends know you're alright.
You can donate to the Red Cross efforts through the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
Some local emergency services departments and updates on current fires: Butte County Emergency Services (June fires) | Mendocino County Fire Resources | Monterey County Department of Emergency Services | SurFire2008.org (Big Sur Fires)
Helping Animal Victims of FireBoth United Animal Nations and Noah's Wish operate like a Red Cross for pets and companion animals. They deploy to disaster areas and set up temporary shelters and rescue operations. North Valley Animal Disaster Group has also been coordinating relief efforts in Butte County. You can check the website of the Humane Society of the United States to see when and where they are deployed for emergency situations around the country.
Disaster Preparedness: For People and Animals
- San Francisco Emergency Services
- Bay Area Emergency Services
- Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Kit Information
- Pet Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Kits
If you're involved with an organization helping with local fire relief efforts (for people or animals) please e-mail me with details. I'll include information for our readers.
Pictured: Sun Through the Haze of Smoke
Photo © Ingrid Taylar
Comments
In Lake county, the air has an LA tinge of brownish yellow and your eyes sting the moment you open a door or window.
I’m thinking of doing an experiment. Thought I’d warm up a slab of beef by nuking it a bit, then hang it on a hook outside for a smoking without briquets–an environmentally sound barbecue. Or something.
I’m glad the water is nearby.
james
To my knowledge, neither United Animal nation or Noah’s Wish are assisting with the California wildlifes. Nor do either of these agencies support your local agencies by passing on your donation. I would strongly recommend supporting your local SPCA or Humane Society that is actually doing the work on the ground. All SPCA’s are completely independent and your money will go a long way to support animals in your OWN community.
The animal places you mentioned do not operate like the red cross. There is no national group that does.
To correct the above two comments:
Both Noah’s Wish and UAN are, in fact, deployed to the fire areas in Butte County to assist with shelter operations there.
Both UAN and and Noah’s Wish do work with local shelters and programs. They also deploy and set up temporary shelters for evacuated pets, providing food, water and care. In this way, they can be construed as having similar functions for companion animals as the Red Cross has for humans.
And yes please do donate to your local shelter. I agree completely with this advice. There is never enough funding for regular animal welfare work let alone disaster-related relief.
Hi everyone:
I don’t live in California but, I am concerned not only about human life, also the wildlife that lives there. One question is there any way to stop the fires from happening? Yes, our news media never mentions
the harm the fires do to wildlife. I will pray for an end to them. Heart breaking! I would gladly send you some of our rain if I could.
Krenb
I live in Chico, Ca and it is almost like fog the smoke is so thick from these fires. Thank you for bringing more attention to this disaster.