Spring Wildfires 2011 | American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom

Story: Wallow Fire

June 22, 2011

This story was written by Red Cross worker Nicole Underwood.

Blue Ridge High School Red Cross Shelter and Wallow Fire Information board

Since being involved with the Red Cross last year, I’ve been joining the voice at the Grand Canyon Chapter to tell others about the great services the Red Cross provides. It wasn’t until seeing the response to the Wallow Fire that I really understood the impact we have.

A blaze that sparked southwest of Alpine, Arizona on May 29 has now become the largest fire in Arizona history, currently having burned an astonishing 529,000 acres. To date, over 4,000 firefighters and personnel have joined in the relief efforts, numbers unheard of in our state. More than a dozen Arizona communities, including Greer, Springerville, Eagar, and Nutrioso, were evacuated in a matter of days after the fire began to rapidly grow, threatening their homes. The Red Cross opened a shelter for the nearby communities in the safety of Pinetop/Lakeside, 40 miles west of the fire, to provide shelter, safety and comfort for the evacuees.

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Posted by amrecro

Disaster Alert: Wildfire in Texas

June 20, 2011

Disaster Alert

Texas – Several wildfires burned thousands of acres, closed roads, threatened homes and prompted the evacuation of hundreds of residents within the affected areas of the eastern portion of the state on Sunday.

The Greater Houston Area Chapter deployed Disaster Action Team members, communicated with County Emergency Management, opened a shelter, supported an evacuation center and assisted evacuees as needed.

Disaster Action Team members from the Orange County Chapter opened a shelter for affected-area residents

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Posted by amrecro

Disaster Alert: Forest Fire in Florida

June 16, 2011

Disaster Alert

Florida – A large wildfire on the northern end of Pine Island in the Village of Bokeelia is believed to have destroyed two homes in its path.

The Chapter Disaster Action Team members provided hydration and cheeseburgers from an ERV.

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Posted by amrecro

Disaster Alert: Brushfire in Florida

June 16, 2011

Disaster Alert

Florida – A brushfire accidentally started by a homeowner trimming trees in his yard threatened about 12 homes and caused power outage to two homes yesterday. The fire was later extinguished.

The North Central Florida Chapter Disaster Action Team (DAT) provided hydration and snacks to twelve forestry workers and responders from an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV).

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Posted by amrecro

Fast Facts: Spring Storms Response

June 15, 2011

The statistics below reflect total American Red Cross service deliveries since the beginning of major spring storm response on March 31st. This includes:

Tornadoes in Kentucky, Virginia, Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Alabama, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Iowa, Florida, Kansas, Minnesota, Texas, Missouri, Massachusetts.

Flooding in Tennessee, Vermont, New York, Arkansas, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alaska, Montana, Oklahoma, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Iowa.

Wildfires in Texas

To date, the Red Cross has:

Served over 940,931 meals and 2,118,031 snacks
Opened 271 shelters
Provided 32,552 overnight stays
Made 36,649 health and 33,187 mental health contacts.
Distributed over 1,425,227 bulk items, including 40,195 clean up kits and 67,465 comfort kits.
12,730 Red Cross workers, of which 11,103 are volunteers, have assisted with relied and recovery efforts.

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Posted by amrecro

Disaster Alert: Forest Fire in Georgia

June 15, 2011

Disaster Alert

Georgia – A wildfire that has been burning near Folkston and the Okeefenokee Swamp for some time prompted the evacuation of 30 homes yesterday.

At the request of the Charlton County Fire Department, the Northeast Florida Chapter opened a shelter and provided responders with hydration and snacks from an Emergency Response Vehicle.

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Posted by amrecro

Disaster Alert: Forest Fire in Florida

June 15, 2011

Disaster Alert

Florida – Two wildfires in Flagler and Volusia counties burned 3000 and 600 acres respectively by yesterday. Six homes in the city of Osteen in Volusia county were evacuated and 38 hunting camps in the rural area have been destroyed. Maytown road is currently shut down. The Flagler county fire is 45% contained. Homes in Seminole Woods area were threatened but fire is now 80% contained.

The Flagler county Emergency Manager requested the ARC of Central Florida Chapter place a shelter on stand-by in case there were evacuations. Chapter has shelter teams and Emergency Response Vehicles on standby.

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Posted by amrecro

Story: Red Cross Providing More Than Shelter For Wallow Fire Evacuees

June 8, 2011

This is written by Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter volunteer and Board Member Jennifer Liewer.

Arizona is known for its beautiful scenery, sunny skies and warm climate. Unfortunately this week, the horizon of Arizona’s vast forestland has not been a picture of peace and tranquility. Several wildfires have been burning out of control, forcing families from their homes, leading firefighters into treacherous terrain and sending American Red Cross volunteers to help with comfort and care for those fleeing the flames.

Currently, the Wallow Fire is the second largest wildfire in the state’s history and Red Cross volunteers from around the state are rushing to the aid of their neighbors. A shelter has been opened in the community of Lakeside, Arizona and has provided shelter to those who have had nowhere else to go. The shelter has also become a gathering place for residents who have other places to stay but need information and updates on the status of the fire.

Volunteers have also been providing much-needed supplies at the shelter, including water, dust masks, cots, food and blankets. While the wildfire rages, evacuees have been registering at the shelter and receiving much needed comfort and assistance, no matter how small or large the request. As in any disaster, nurses, mental health professionals and other Red Cross trained volunteers are working day and night to provide relief to the victims of this historic fire.

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Posted by amrecro