California has been going through a tough year with devastating wildfires, and unfortunately, they aren't stopping anytime soon.
On Thursday afternoon the now 70,000-acre fire that started due to bone-dry humidity and high winds in Butte County and is devastating the small town of Paradise that only has a population of 27,000 people all of whom were evacuated and has already claimed the lives of 5 people.
And in Southern California after an already tragic day after a shooting in Thousand Oaks that claimed the life of 12 innocent people, a fire broke loose in the greater Los Angeles area. The fire has now reached approximately 14,000-acres and as of right now 88,000 residents have been evacuated.
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And as the brave firefighters work tirelessly to keep the flames at bay and from claiming any more lives, there are many ways you too can help the victims of these three fires.
Ways to help Butte County Fire victims:
- Go to The United Way of Northern California Fund to donate or text "BUTTEFIRE" to 91999. This fund provides emergency funds to the victims.
- Shasta Regional Medical Center in Redding is taking donations today until 3 p.m., They are in need of blankets, pillows, warm clothing, toiletries, socks, underwear, brushes, air mattresses and gift cards for food. You can drop the donations off at 1100 Butte Street downtown.
- Go to The North Valley Community Foundation to donate to victims.
- The Salvation Army is taking financial donations or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and designate “Northern California Fires.”
- Drop off items at Bidwell Presbyterian Church, 201 W. 1st St. in Chico. They are needing donations of toiletries, batteries, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, non-perishable foods, and first aid items.
- The Dorothy Johnson Center, 775 East 16th St. in Chico, is asking for used and new bedding for families and kids with special needs are staying.
Ways to help Woosley and Hill Fire victims:
- Go to the Ventura County Community Fund to donate to victims.
- The Humane Society of Ventura County is open and accepting all animals for those evacuating from the fire.
- Go to United Way of Greater Los Angeles to donate for disaster relief.
- Go to the Los Angeles Department of Animal Care to make a donation to animal care.
- Go to Salvation Army Ventura Corps to make a cash donation