The American Red Cross of the Pacific Coast is opening two shelters for residents affected by the Whittier Fire:

San Marcos High School, 4750 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93110

Santa Ynez Elementary School, 3325 Pine Street, Santa Ynez, CA 93460

Volunteers will be on hand to provide lodging, meals, water, hygiene items, and comfort for families affected by the evacuations, as well as provide a gathering place for residents to wait and receive important updates. 

The local Red Cross is also continuing to support a shelter at the Minami Community Center that opened Friday in response to the Alamo Fire. 

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

The Red Cross is able to provide disaster relief services during wildfire season thanks to the generosity of the community. The best way to help wildfire relief efforts is through a financial donation. Visit redcross.org to make an online donation to your local chapter.

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

About the American Red Cross Central California Region

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The American Red Cross Central California Region provides services to the ten counties across Central California that is home to more than 4 million people. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org.