Six Hawaii Red Cross workers will be deploying to Southern California in response to the fast-moving wildfires that started on Monday.  Two from Oahu, one from Kauai, one from Molokai, and one from Maui are deploying to assist with sheltering and mass care.  One from Oahu is deploying to assist with staffing services.  More Hawaii volunteers are on standby to possibly deploy.

The fires are threatening thousands of homes and evacuations have been ordered for some 140,000 residents.  As of Wednesday morning, around 20,000 homes are threatened by out of control fires that have burned more than 83,000 acres already. This includes, some 65,000 acres consumed by the Thomas Fire in Ventura County, around 11,000 acres consumed by the Creek Fire in Los Angeles County, and another 7,000 acres consumed by the Rye Fire in Los Angeles County. 

Dangerous fire conditions are expected to be a threat for Southern California for much of this week, with officials calling this the strongest and longest duration Santa Ana wind event seen this wildfire season.

The Red Cross is working alongside partners to provide shelter, food and comfort for people forced to leave their homes with little notice because of the dangerous wildfires.  Overnight, almost 430 people took refuge from the fires in 7 Red Cross shelters. Hundreds more visit the shelters during the day for supplies and information.  In addition to providing shelter, the Red Cross is moving additional disaster workers, cots, blankets and emergency supplies to the affected counties. 

The Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on public contributions to help others. All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world.  To send a contribution, mail your check to: 

American Red Cross of Hawaii 

4155 Diamond Head Road

Honolulu, HI  96816

Make a secure online donation at redcross.org/hawaii or call: (808) 739-8109.