By: Abby Walker, American Red Cross Northwest Region Communications Manager

More than a dozen Red Cross volunteers from the Northwest Region have stepped forward to deploy to California and support disaster relief efforts as hundreds take refuge in shelters from two of California’s most destructive wildfires.

These volunteers are joining hundreds of American Red Cross workers on the ground, helping to ensure California residents have a safe place to stay and support during this challenging time.

"I have the ability to help so I'll do whatever I can,” said King County volunteer Andrew Watkins, who boarded a flight to Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon. “It feels good to pay it forward." 

This will mark Andrew’s second deployment with the Red Cross, the first being just a few months ago when he deployed to the Mountain Fire in Ventura, California. That initial deployment experience is something he’ll never forget, “I developed deep connections with the team I was deployed with. It was meaningful to be a part of.”

Another Red Cross volunteer from King County, Kristi Rendahl, raised her hand to join the response, driven by a commitment to bring help to those hurting.

“These are our West Coast neighbors, and just like I would care for someone living right next door, I want to be there to help the people in California,” she said.

WHERE TO GET HELP Anyone who needs a safe place to stay can find shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps. 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. We encourage anyone who needs aid to come to a shelter, you don’t have to stay overnight to get help.

Red Cross shelters are open to everyone in need, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability or citizenship status. All disaster assistance is free. We don’t require people to show any kind of identification to enter a shelter — just their name and where they were living before the disaster.

If possible, we encourage people who plan to stay in a shelter to bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, other comfort items and important documents. Don’t forget to bring any special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, or for family members who have unique needs.

This is a painful time for those grappling with the uncertainty of whether they’ll still have a home or community to return to in the days ahead. Others are battling with what to do next after losing everything. If you or a loved one needs help, reach out to the free 24/7 multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for support.

RECONNECT WITH LOVED ONES If you need assistance locating a missing loved one because of the fires, the Red Cross may be able to help. Visit redcross.org/findfamily 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 People are depending on the Red Cross for help now, but we need your support. Please click, text or call to support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like storms 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 donation. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

For those interested in helping people specifically affected by the recent wildfires, we ask that they write “California Wildfires 2025” in the memo line of a check and mail it with a completed donation form to the address on the form or to their local Red Cross chapter. Find the donation form at redcross.org/donate.

The climate crisis has been a key driver in increasing the risk of wildfires in the western U.S. during the last two decades. With more frequent and intense disasters upending lives, the Red Cross is providing food, shelter and recovery support on a nearly continual basis to support people in need.