According to scientists, climate change has made the region warmer and drier over the past 30 years leading to more destructive and longer-lasting wildfires. Wildfires this year have outpaced what we experienced in 2020.

• Currently, 52 large fires have burned more than 2.9 million acres in 9 states.
• The KNP Complex Fire in Tulare County, California, which started more than three weeks ago, prompted new evacuation orders late Sunday night.
  • The fire is burning thousands of acres in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

American Red Cross teams across the West are currently focused on helping those affected by this year’s wildfires recover, circulating through impacted communities and answering questions about available recovery services, while also restocking and repositioning to respond again when needed.

• Sunday night, 14 people sought refuge in a Red Cross shelter in Central California.
• Since the fires began, more than 1,500 Red Cross disaster workers have supported relief efforts in person or virtually.
• The Red Cross has also provided financial assistance to over 1,000 households — encompassing more than 2,000 people — who have experienced loss due to this year’s wildfires across the West.
  • Financial assistance can help families replace clothes or food, offset transportation costs, or support any other immediate need.