August 20, 2020 by Daniella Medina
There are 367 known fires burning in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a press conference Wednesday. Twenty-three of these are considered to be major fires.
Newsom’s announcement came a day after he declared a statewide emergency.
More than 300,000 acres have burned in California’s wildfires so far in 2020 — an 11% increase from 2019. And the peak of fire season doesn’t typically end until November.
Newsom called for aid from nearby states, Nevada, Arizona and Texas, to send crews or engines to help fight the fires in California. The California National Guard has also been mobilized.
“We are deploying every resource available to keep communities safe as California battles fires across the state during these extreme conditions,” Newsom said Tuesday.
Track California fires: See map of 300+ fires burning in California in real-time
Agencies across the state are looking to assist those affected by the California wildfires. COVID-19 has imposed restrictions on some of these services, but there are still ways you can help:
Evacuation orders: See evacuation orders for the River, Carmel and Dolan fires
Evacuations: In a panic, families forced to leave homes, belongings behind as River Fire rages
Help rescue pets, animals displaced by the fires
Herd and Flock Animal Sanctuary in Vacaville was forced to evacuate at 1 a.m. Wednesday, according to a Facebook post. There were 38 animals to load, but some needed to be left behind. The animals were relocated to Charlie’s Acres, a sanctuary in Sonoma.
“We opened the gates so theoretically they could try to run to escape the fire,” the Facebook post said.
Firefighters said it was safe to return later Wednesday and all the animals were safe.
Herd and Flock and Charlie’s Acres are asking for donations to “help rebuild and continue to bring joy to animals.”
The Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation is also seeking donations to help dogs displaced by the California wildfires.
Donate to DirectRelief
DirectRelief is in contact with emergency response agencies throughout the state to offer assistance, the organization said Wednesday.
DirectRelief is a humanitarian aid organization active throughout the United States with a mission to “improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies — without regard to politics, religion or ability to pay,” according to its website.
They are currently accepting donations.
Donate to the Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund
In response to the LNU Lightning Complex fires, the Napa Valley Community Foundation has committed $100,000 to the Disaster Relief Fund.
The foundation is seeking donations to continue to assist urgent needs and gather information to boost long-term recovery efforts.
They are currently accepting donations.
Food banks statewide are accepting donations
Food banks can provide relief to families affected by providing emergency food assistance at no cost.
Although the Food Bank for Monterey County said it was not accepting direct donations due to COVID-19, it is accepting financial donations on its website, according to executive director Melissa Kendrick.
For those in need of food assistance in Monterey County, all they need to do is contact the food bank at 831-758-1523.
“Nobody in this county is going to go hungry on our watch,” Kendrick said.
Call your local food bank to see how you can help those affected by California wildfires.
Donate to the California Fire Foundation
The California Fire Foundation’s Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program is currently accepting donations to bring immediate relief to victims of wildfires.
Through the program, firefighters can provide $250 gift cards to eligible victims.
The American Red Cross looking for volunteers and accepting donations
The Red Cross will need thousands of volunteers to help during wildfire season. It is accepting applications on its website.
A presentation will be offered at 4 p.m. PST Thursday to learn about Disaster Services volunteer opportunities throughout Central California.