SAN LUIS OBISPO (Aug. 7, 2025) – In partnership with emergency officials, the American Red Cross Pacific Coast Chapter has two shelters open to support evacuees displaced by the Gifford Fire burning in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. Shelters are located at:

• Santa Margarita Community Hall (22501 I St, Santa Margarita, CA 93453)
• New Life Student Center (941 N Oak Park Way, Pismo Beach, CA 93349)
   

Red Cross volunteers will provide evacuees safe refuge from the wildfire, water, meals, snacks, health services and additional resources. We encourage anyone who needs assistance to come to the shelter, and residents in nearby areas to be ready to evacuate. Small pets are welcome at the shelter, and pet owners are encouraged to bring water, food, pet carriers and leashes if possible.

Since the Gifford Fire began, Red Cross disaster workers have been working closely with government officials and partners to make sure people will have a safe place to stay, food to eat and critical relief supplies as needed at multiple Temporary Evacuation Points throughout the affected region. 

FIND A SHELTER Anyone who needs a safe place to stay can find shelter information on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.

You can also find information by following your local Red Cross and local emergency officials on social media, signing up for free emergency alerts from your local government or by monitoring local news.

Red Cross shelters are open to everyone in need, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability or citizenship status. All disaster assistance is free.

We don’t require people to show any kind of identification to enter a shelter — just their name and where they were living before the disaster.

If possible, we encourage people who plan to stay in a shelter to bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, other comfort items and important documents. Don’t forget to bring any special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, or for family members who have unique needs.

WILDFIRE SAFETY A wildfire can spread very quickly, leaving you little time to get to safety. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice and obey all instructions from officials. Don’t return home until officials say it’s safe to do so.

• Know where you will go, how you will get there and where you will stay. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
• If you have a car, ensure the gas tank is full and park it facing the direction of your evacuation route.
• Keep your pets in one room, so you can find them if you need to evacuate quickly.
• Monitor local weather and fires near you. Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government. Stay up to date on evacuation routes and road closures that could impact your plans.
• If you feel you are in danger leave immediately. You might not get an official notice to evacuate.
• Limit exposure to smoke and dust by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in.
• To help keep your indoor air clean, don’t use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves.

HOW TO HELP To ensure people have the help they need, the Red Cross depends on public support. Please click, text or call to support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like fires and countless other crises. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.