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The American Red Cross Response to the 2007 Southern California Wildfires
October 2007 brought the largest evacuation in California history. Widespread wildfires ravaged a drought-stricken landscape and tragically altered the lives of California residents. Altogether, 23 wildfires displaced approximately half a million people.
When the wildfires struck, the American Red Cross was among the first to respond. Supporting 40 shelters, the Red Cross provided over 30,000 overnight stays for people while the fires burned. In total, more than 5,300 disaster relief workers— 90 percent of them volunteers—provided food, shelter, supplies and other assistance. Following the emergency phase, the Red Cross met with families and individuals to assess their needs and offer comprehensive resources to help them begin rebuilding their lives.
However, a disaster of this magnitude is larger than any one organization. Every day, the Red Cross relies on the skills and resources of partner organizations that step up and make it possible for us to help those affected by disaster. We also rely on financial donations, in-kind contributions and other assistance from our generous donors. We are thankful for your support.*
We invite you to read this report, which details the American Red Cross response to the California Wildfires.
Donors to the 2007 California Wildfires/Disaster Relief Fund
*Note: The Red Cross has determined that current contributions and pledges made in response to the Southern California wildfires are sufficient to cover the estimated costs for our relief efforts. But there is always a great need for donations to the Disaster Relief Fund or your local chapter.
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