Today more than 80 Red Cross workers from around the state are in the Central Valley to support Detwiler Fire relief efforts in Mariposa County. Even more volunteers and resources are on the way, as the Red Cross continues to provide relief and comfort to hundreds of residents affected by evacuations. Tonight the Red Cross is operating the following shelter locations for anyone impacted by the fire:

1. EV Free Church, 50443 High School Road, Oakhurst, CA 93644

2. Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church, 39696 Hwy 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644

3. Mountain Christian Center, 40299 Hwy 49, Oakhurst, CA 93644

4. Cesar Chavez Junior High, 161 S. Plainsburg, Planada, CA 95365

5. Mother Lode Fairgrounds, 220 Southgate Drive, Sonora, CA 95370

Volunteers are on hand at each location to provide lodging, meals, health services, comfort, and more for affected residents. A number of animal shelters have been opened by the Central California Animal Disaster Team, some of which are located next to Red Cross shelters. Visit their website at ccadt.org to learn more.

“These communities have the full support of the national Red Cross network behind it,” said Red Cross Executive Director Barry Falke, “Every day we’re bringing in more volunteers and supplies to make sure we are doing everything we can to support these residents.”

STAY INFORMED

A Red Cross public information line has been established for anyone looking for information on current disaster relief efforts: 559-343-2549.

Visit redcross.org/safeandwell to reconnect with loved ones that might be missing during a disaster. The Safe and Well website is an easy-to-use online tool to help families and individuals notify loved ones that they are safe during an emergency.

The Red Cross urges everyone to follow evacuation orders from local law enforcement and have an emergency kit ready to go for any disaster including wildfires. Visit http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/wildfire to learn more.

HOW TO HELP

You can help people affected by disasters like wildfires and countless other crises by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters big and small. Call, click, or text to give: visit redcross.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS or text “RED CROSS” to 91999 to make a $10 donation to your local Red Cross region.

Financial donations are still the best and quickest way to support Red Cross Disaster Relief. But for those who still wish to donate goods such as food and clothing, the following donation drop-off locations have been established by community partner organizations:

1. Sierra Star, 49165 Crane Valley Rd, Oakhurst, CA 93644. Open daily 7:00a.m. – dusk (Operated by VOAD)

2. Catholic Charities, 336 Main Street, Merced, CA 95340. Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

HOW TO VOLUNTEER

Trained Red Cross volunteers are currently staffing shelters and supporting evacuated residents. As the disaster continues to evolve, the Red Cross will assess how community volunteers can best support the operation.

Learn more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer or sign up today at redcross.org/volunteer. In order to expedite your volunteer registration for this disaster response effort, select the Detwiler Fire opportunity when prompted in the application process. Email the local Red Cross Volunteer Services team at volunteer.centralca@redcross.org for more information.

LEARN MORE

Follow the local Red Cross on Twitter and Facebook for additional updates.