Here's How You Can Help Victims of the Northern California Wildfires
PHOTO: JOSH EDELSON/Getty Images
For nearly a week, devastating wildfires have raged through Northern California, scorching over 212,000 acres of land and displacing more than 20,000 people. At least 31 people have died and over 2,800 homes have been destroyed. Since they began on Sunday, the fires have spread rapidly due to dry conditions and firefights have been working tireless to control the numerous blazes.
“We’re not even close to being out of this emergency,” said Mark Ghilarducci, the director of California’s Office of Emergency Services, on Thursday.
Whether you’re in the region or living elsewhere in the country, there are numerous ways you can help those who have been impacted. Here are a few organizations that are currently providing aid to those affected.
The Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund is accepting donations for those affected by the fires.
The Sonoma County Resilience Fund is accepting donations to provide aid for mid- and long-term needs of those affected by the fires.
From now until October 30, Airbnb is offering free rooms to people displaced by the fires or traveling to Northern California to take part in relief efforts.
The Napa and Sonoma Valley Fire Relief GoFundMe provides support for firefighters who are battling the flames throughout Northern California. Numerous GoFundMe pages have also been created to raise money for both residents and relief workers.
The Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch are accepting donations to help care for both companion and farm animals. Wine Country Animal Lovers is similarly accepting donations and providing resources to evacuated families in Northern California so they can keep their pets with them. The Napa Community Animal Response Team is looking for volunteers to help care for evacuated animals.
The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers who can help evacuees.
The San Francisco clothing shop Love on Haight is giving away free clothes.
Yuba County, Sonoma County, and Napa County food pantries are all currently accepting donations.