Not Just a Stroll in Northern California's Park Fire

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LA Region volunteer Carmela Burke, has deployed to nearly 100 disaster response operations since 1992, and is currently deployed to the the Northern California Park Fire. Carmela's dedication and leadership exemplify the Red Cross mission, offering hope and support during this crisis.

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Los Angeles volunteers Michael Hicks (left), and Anthony Battisti (right), deployed as the Park Fire Shelter Strike Team - they stand at the ready to open up shelters as they are needed for anyone displaced by the wildfire.

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Four California counties — Butte, Plumas, Shasta and Tehama — have been affected by the ongoing Park Fire, with the latter seeing the most burned acreage.

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The American Red Cross is providing shelter, meals, and recovery resources to the thousands of people affected by the Park Fire, in addition to the support of caring and compassion volunteers.

The Park Fire, now California’s fifth largest wildfire, has destroyed over 360,000 acres in northern California, and is only 12% contained. The American Red Cross is there, bringing the most immediate needs, including sheltering, meals and recovery resources to the thousands affected. Los Angeles volunteer Carmela Burke is also in northern California to help communities displaced by the wildfire.

A volunteer since 1992, Carmela is one of our most seasoned volunteers, having worked over 10,000 volunteer hours, including nearly 100 disaster response operations, earning her a Lifetime Hours Award.

Carmela’s tenure, knowledge and dedication are only one small element of her extraordinary leadership. Initially a Red Cross training instructor, she has gone on to become a Communications Volunteer Partner, External Relations Director, as well as, Media Relations, Community Engagement & Partnerships Regional Program Lead, Emergency Management Agency Regional Program Lead, Information and Planning Team Member, Disaster Response Volunteer to mention only a few of the Red Cross hats she has worn.

The Red Cross is only able to accomplish extraordinary things daily through the dedication and compassion of thousands of volunteers like Carmela, and the wide range of partners, suppliers, and donors who collaborate with our mission.

"There's a unity of mission when we work together," Burke said. "Working together also means engaging our community partners to help ease the stress and uncertainty people face when displaced by disaster."

Carmela volunteers to show up whenever there is a need, and she does it all with style and aplomb. A trusted and revered leader, many have said when Carmela is on the job they feel at ease because it will be done well and professional. She is the epitome of grace under pressure, has an excellent humor and is a person that embodies the Red Cross mission and Fundamental Principles.

Our hearts ache for all communities battling the widespread effects of this summer’s climate crisis, but we know the people displaced by the Park fire have Carmela helping their battle.

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.

August 01, 2024