PRESS RELEASE
Salvation Army Responds to Los Angeles Area Fires
November 17, 2008 – Intense winds have died down but wildfires still burn in the greater Los Angeles region. The Salvation Army quickly mobilized its emergency disaster services (EDS) teams and deployed its mobile feeding units (canteens) to various evacuation and shelter centers. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has declared a state of emergency.
This past Friday night, a fire started and fanned by intense winds in the northern region of the San Fernando Valley, forced the evacuation of at least 10,000 residents. By Saturday morning, the fire had spread over 2,600 acres, destroyed hundreds of homes and injured six firefighters and one civilian. Additionally, this area contains many power lines that supply service to the greater Los Angeles region.
In Friday’s early morning hours, a wildfire fed by 70-mph winds erupted in the hillside community of Montecito, just south of Santa Barbara. Within hours, more than 2,500 acres and at least 100 homes were consumed. Salvation Army EDS teams fed meals to more than 150 evacuated Montecito residents and over 80 evacuated Westmont College students
On Sunday, The Salvation Army joined forces with the Southern Baptist Feeding Kitchen to enable even greater food distribution for fire survivors and displaced residents, numbering well into the hundreds. Salvation Army EDS teams also have provided emotional and spiritual care to fire survivors.
The Salvation Army serves in more than 100 countries and provides both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery help in the event of any disaster. Funds for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services come from corporate and private donations given specifically for disaster relief. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
