By Jessica Piffero, volunteer contributor, American Red Cross
68 year old Liz Jackson has been living with wildfires her whole life
“I fought my first fire when I was just seven years old living in Australia,” said Liz.
Her noticeable Australian accent makes her stand out, but Liz has been a local Cobb resident for decades. More than a week after the Valley Fire began, she is still under evacuation orders, and may be one of the last residents to return home. Read more
By Carmela Burke, volunteer contributor, American Red Cross
Valley Fire evacuees John and Patricia Cappa have decided to make the best of their camp accommodations. As the fire was approaching, Patricia saw it out her window as her neighbors came to her house and started knocking on her door. John, who comes from a fireman’s family, had these thoughts running through his mind: meds, dog, gone!
When the “Valley Fire” broke out on September 12, the Cappas drove from their home to Middletown High School. “We watched the flames come over the hill to Cobb then down to Middletown,” said Patricia. Read more
Collaboration is critical to ensuring that people displaced by disasters have the support they need. One agency alone cannot meet all the needs of all disaster victims. The Red Cross is working with emergency officials, local community groups, and businesses to make sure residents receive the right resources and referrals. Recovering from a disaster takes time and the Red Cross will be working alongside partners in the community to deliver aid for months to come. Information Line for the California Wildfires: 855-224-2490.
“Andrew and the culinary team arrived on scene early on and mobilized a large-scale feeding operation for the 800-1200 people on site at the Napa County Fairgrounds in Calistoga,” said Jeff Baumgartner, CEO of the American Red Cross of the California Northwest. “They prepared a wide range of healthy comfort food around the clock. I can truly say that food contributed to peace and comfort during a very difficult time.”. Andrew Wild says “if it was not for the support of the Napa Valley culinary team, none of this would have happened. Everyone worked just as hard and I am happy to be part of the team. Read more
Four-year old Cameron’s heart is big, despite her small stature.
When her parents explained how thousands had been evacuated due to the devastation of the California wildfires, she knew she wanted to help.
Piggy bank in tow, Cameron and her family made the two-hour trek north to the Napa Valley Fairgrounds shelter in Calistoga where hundreds of people are staying safe while awaiting re-entry into their community.
“I just want to help people,” Cameron said.
Thanks to the generosity of people of all ages, victims of the California wildfires are receiving support and comfort from the American Red Cross. To make a financial gift, please visit redcross.org/donate or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
One Valley fire volunteer, Stacy Martin, has been a Clearlake resident since 2013 when he moved from Santa Rosa to Clearlake and purchased his first home.
Six weeks ago, Stacy was notified that his area was under advised evacuation during the Rocky fire and as soon as he received this information, he had his car packed and ready to go with in 10 minutes. He understood the potential danger to himself, but fortunately that evacuation advisement was lifted, and he was gratefully able to settle back into his home.
Today, Stacy is an American Red Cross volunteer working at the Kelseyville High School shelter assisting those affected by the Valley fire, and he couldn’t be happier. Read more
Today, the American Red Cross will begin distributing food and relief supplies as people begin to return home when the evacuation orders are lifted. These new services are in addition to the ongoing meals, shelter and comfort to residents impacted by the Valley and Butte fires.
“Red Cross volunteers are loading trucks and traveling to affected neighborhoods with food and supplies. Our disaster workers are doing whatever we can to reach more people who need help,” said Jeff Baumgartner, American Red Cross of the California Northwest CEO. “We understand that people are living in very tough conditions. The uncertainty of whether people will have homes to return to makes this an emotionally draining time. Red Cross mental health volunteers are supporting residents as they learn the status of the homes.” Read more
Your Red Cross Update 