Our hearts and prayers go out to every one of our neighbors, two-legged and four, impacted by the deadly fires that are raging across the Golden State. From our Northern California partner communities of Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, Lake and Yuba Counties to the Anaheim Hills fire in Orange County and several other devastating blazes throughout the state, we are saddened by the loss of life and property. At the same time, we are comforted by the support of the many emergency responders, support personnel, and volunteers who are saving lives, property, and pets.
Here are links to the latest information on the fires and some ways you can make a difference.
The Latest Information:
- On the Northern California fires, evacuation centers and road closures from ABC 7 News, KGO-TV
- On the Anaheim Hills fire from ABC 7 News, KABC-TV
- From Cal Fire
- Cal Fire statewide fire map
- EPA Bay Area air quality
How You Can Help/Pets
Many animal welfare organizations throughout the Bay Area and California supported the rescue organizations in Texas, Florida and beyond during the hurricanes that recently hit our country. Now, these same organizations are stepping up to assist our local neighbors with support and services. Here are a few:
- Sonoma Humane Society is accepting stray and injured animals at their Santa Rosa shelter and is offering no-cost veterinary treatment for burn victims. You will find updates and more ways to help here. Use this page to make a donation to the Sonoma Humane Society.
- Napa Humane is offering ongoing support and vet assistance to displaced animals in the Napa Valley area during this emergency. If you would like to support Napa Humane, please donate here.
- The Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville are open for people and large animals. The Humane Society for Inland Mendocino County says all animals are safe and are beginning to come back to the shelter as the fire shifts. You can donate here.
- Marin Humane is providing free, emergency boarding for pets of those who've been evacuated, and staffing the evacuation center at the Civic Center in San Rafael for pets and their people. They are grateful for the outpouring of offers of donations of food and supplies but at this time, the shelter is fully stocked. The best way to help them right now is to donate funds.
- Rocket Dog Rescue in Oakland is urgently seeking foster homes and volunteers at their sanctuary in Oakland to help the animals displaced by the local fires.
- Pets Lifeline in Sonoma has evacuated their animals to Marin Humane. Stay up to date on their status and please donate to support the great work they do in Sonoma County.
- The Milo Foundation Sanctuary animals in Mendocino County have been evacuated to Willits High School, but could return shortly. Milo Point Richond is ready to receive animals displaced from the fires. Please help, foster, volunteer and donate, designating “Fire Evacuation Fund."
- Wine Country Animal Lovers, Petaluma Animal Services, Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch and the Lake County Animal Care & Control LEAP animal disaster response group are all working hard to save and protect pets during this difficult time. Please give generously.
- More evacuation, donation, fostering and other fire-related information can be found on this Facebook group started by Becky Ewens.
DogTrekker.com has posted a page with these and other resources plus ongoing updates.
How You Can Help/People
Red Cross:
- For people forced from their homes since Sunday evening, the American Red Cross Northern California has been supporting evacuation centers and providing safe shelters while they wait until the danger has passed. There is no immediate need for volunteers at this point, but you can sign up online for updates, as more people may be needed in the coming days. You can donate to the Red Cross at any time here or make a one-time donation of $10, by texting REDCROSS to 90999.
Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership:
- The CVNL is so grateful for the generosity of volunteers who have stepped up to help as the fires continue. Click here to read about their current need for volunteers. At this time, the CVNL does not need donated items/goods at either location. If you’d like to give a monetary donation, you can do so here.