LOS ANGELES, August 25, 2020 — The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region concludes its immediate Lake Fire relief operations following the announcement that evacuation orders have been lifted. Caseworkers will continue to virtually support those affected as they begin the recovery process. The organization now shifts its focus to support Northern California as wildfires continue to spread across the state, with hundreds of thousands of acres burned and many more under threat.

SEE: Photos from Red Cross LA Lake Fire Disaster Response (Flickr)

ALSO SEE: Red Cross Response to SCU, LNU fires (Flickr)

When the Lake Fire began on Aug. 12, the Red Cross mobilized its disaster workforce to aid those affected. Red Cross volunteers supported three evacuation points, providing snacks, water and shelter for anyone fleeing the fire. The Red Cross provided hotel lodging for more than 20 evacuees, delivering service in accordance with COVID-19 safety precautions. At the hotel, Lake Fire evacuees received constant care from Red Cross volunteers, including daily health checks, disaster mental health support and meals. In addition, the Red Cross provided emergency supplies and assistance returning to their homes.

The Red Cross provided 179 overnight hotel stays and served more than 980 meals and snacks.

Residents impacted by the Lake Fire, who still are in need of assistance, can contact the local Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED Wildfires in Northern California continue, with hundreds of thousands of acres burned and many more under threat. The Red Cross has set up several shelters for those evacuating providing a safe place for more than 3,100 people.

However, we need help as the fires are predicted to continue to go and more people will need support. Those in good health and willing to deploy for a period of up to 14 days to support the shelters and evacuation sites in Northern California are urged to sign up and start their training today for one of two volunteer roles: Shelter services or health services.

The Red Cross strictly follows and enforces all COVID safety guidelines provided by the CDC and the Department of Health Services. 

People need your help. The Red Cross workforce on the ground needs your help. Please sign up and volunteer. Visit redcross.org/la today or email volunteerservices.losangeles.ca@redcross.org.

RETURNING HOME AFTER A WILDFIRE

• Don’t return home until officials say it’s safe to do so.
• Inspect the roof immediately and extinguish any sparks or embers. Wildfires may have left embers that could reignite.
• Check your home for embers that could cause fires. Look for signs of a fire including smoke or sparks.
• Avoid damaged or downed power lines, poles and wires.
• Keep your animals under your direct control. Hidden embers and hot spots could burn them.
• Wet down debris to minimize breathing in dust particles.
• Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and safe use of masks.
• Wear leather gloves and shoes with heavy soles.
• Throw out any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.
• Download the free Red Cross Emergency App for more preparedness tips and safety checklists, localizable alerts, Shelter Locator and more.

Please follow @RedCrossLA on Twitter for the latest updates. Visit redcross.org/wildfire for information on how to prepare for, respond to and recover from wildfires.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA or @CruzRojaLA.