SOUTH CAROLINA, Jan. 9, 2025 – Five disaster-trained volunteers from the American Red Cross of South Carolina are deploying to support disaster relief operations in Los Angeles where dangerous wildfires are burning, forcing thousands of people to evacuate. With tens of thousands of people forced from their homes, the Red Cross is working alongside our partners to provide safe shelter, food, emotional support and health services. 

“There are a lot of people who need help,” said Dan Fiato, a Red Cross volunteer from Little River, who is deploying to Los Angeles today. “I’ve helped people my whole life and now that I’m retired, I figured this is the best way to really help.”  

Hurricane-force winds have fanned growing fires, challenging firefighters’ efforts to contain the blazes as the flames consume thousands of acres. The threat isn’t over, and more communities are at risk today. The climate crisis has been a key driver in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires in the western U.S. during the last two decades. 

The American Red Cross is on the ground supporting southern California residents to make sure no one faces these intense and fast-moving wildfires alone. Over the coming days, the Red Cross will coordinate with local officials and community partners to make sure people have the support they need during this challenging time. 

The Red Cross of South Carolina stands ready to deploy more Disaster-Trained workers as requested. 

BECOME A VOLUNTEER The American Red Cross asks you to consider giving the gift of your time this year and resolve to help people in need as a volunteer in South Carolina. Depending on your interests, the Red Cross offers a variety of volunteer opportunities — from supporting a family after a fire in their home, helping a member of the military during an emergency, or helping us ensure blood is available for patients who need it. The need to help has never been greater. Join us to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/volunteer and get started today. 

To ensure people have the help they need, the Red Cross depends on public support. Please click, text or call to support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like fires and countless other crises. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. 

About the American Red Cross:  
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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 or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.  

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