Media Contact: Pooja Klebig
(669) 209-5266 | NCCRPublicAffairs@redcross.org

SAN FRANCISCO, August 06, 2026 — The catastrophic wildfires in the Pacific Northwest have devastated thousands of people ─ their homes, cherished mementos, even their livelihoods claimed by the fires. The American Red Cross is there, working with partners across Washington and Oregon to provide help and hope with necessities like food, shelter, emotional care and other critical services.

In and around Spokane, more than 67,000 people have had to evacuate and more than 830 structures have been destroyed. The Old Trails Fire has burned more than 3,600 acres, the Autumn Lane Fire, more than 5,800 acres. Both are now 13% contained. The Fairview Fire has claimed more than 1,000 acres and is 5% contained. In Oregon, wildfires like the Hood River Fire have destroyed 1.8 million acres and continue to force people to evacuate. Numerous shelters are open in both states, where Red Cross volunteers are providing meals and snacks, relief items and health and mental health services.

As of late July, disaster volunteers from across the country, including 16 from the Northern California Coastal Region, have landed or are currently travelling to Spokane and the Pacific Northwest to support those impacted by the region's worst fire season in more than 30 years. They join local volunteers from the Red Cross Northwest and Cascades Regions, all working with local officials and partners to ensure those impacted can get the help they need.

16 local volunteers are supporting in a variety of ways:

North Bay Chapter

1. Beverly Ann Eichhorn of Marin County supporting the Disaster Spiritual Care Team as Manager

2. Lyra Kelly of Marin County supporting with information and planning

3. Jody Kimbrel of Solano County supporting as Disaster Response Operation Director

4. John McMahon of Solano County supporting the Disaster Assessment Team as Manager

5. Vincent Valenzuela of Solano County supporting as Elected Official Liaison Director

6. Nicholas Widmer of Sonoma County supporting the Community Engagement and Partnerships Team as Manager

Bay Area Chapter

7. Renee Giometti of Contra Costa County supporting with sheltering

8. Katherine Sieu of Contra Costa County supporting the Disaster Health Services Team as Manager

9. Albert Archangel of Contra Costa County supporting with information and planning

10. Arthur Webb of San Mateo County supporting with sheltering

Silicon Valley Chapter

11. Lesley Allen of Santa Clara County supporting with sheltering

12. Allan Mayfield of Santa Clara County supporting with sheltering

13. Neil Katin of Santa Clara County supporting the Staffing and Planning Support Team as Manager

14. Sue Trautman of Santa Clara County supporting the Client Care Team as Manager

Central Coast Chapter

15. John Crepeau of Santa Cruz County supporting with logistical sourcing

Kern Chapter

16. Charles Rice of Kern County supporting with recovery care

IF YOU HAVE BEEN IMPACTED
You can find shelter locations on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). All disaster assistance provided by the Red Cross is free. You can also follow your local Red Cross or emergency officials on social media, sign up for free local government alerts or monitor local news.

A hotline is now set up for Oregonians affected by wildfires and smoke. People can call 1-833-699-0554. Callers are encouraged to leave a message if their call isn’t answered. People can also complete an online form. The hotline does not guarantee financial assistance or enrollment for a particular program. People in immediate danger should call 911, while those needing information on evacuation shelters should call 211.

LOOKING FOR A LOVED ONE?
If you need assistance locating a missing loved one because of the fires, we may be able to help. Visit redcross.org/find or reach us at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Please provide as much detail as possible to assist us in potentially locating your missing loved one.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Support people affected by western wildfires in 2026. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small, whenever and wherever they occur across the country. Donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999. You can also help by becoming a volunteer. Put on a red vest and join us. Learn more by visiting redcross.org/volunteer.

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.