American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom

Disaster Alert

Florida – Wildfires burned hundreds of acres in Levy and Sarasota Counties and prompted evacuation of residents from the affected areas on Monday.

In an unrelated incident, a gas leak in a large underground propane tank closed businesses in a Palm Beach County shopping center on Monday.

The North Central Florida Chapter deployed Disaster Action Team members, dispatched an Emergency Response Vehicle, and provided assistance to evacuees as needed.

The Northeast Florida Chapter provided Mutual Aid and dispatched an additional Emergency Response Vehicle to support hydration and feeding stations.

The Southwest Florida Chapter deployed Disaster Action Team and provided canteen services to emergency responders.

Disaster Action Team members from the ARC Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter dispatched an Emergency Response Vehicle and provided Mass Care to emergency responders for the gas leak.

Disaster Alert

Arizona – A large wildfire, now reported the 3rd largest wildfire in Arizona history, began last week near Alpine, Arizona in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Named the “Wallow Fire,” the blaze has grown exponentially, consuming nearly 200,000 acres of land. Gusty winds and low humidity prove to make fighting the fire extremely difficult. The Wallow Fire is currently 15 percent contained.

An evacuation was issued Thursday night for residents near Alpine. The Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter established a shelter in Lakeside, Arizona Thursday evening, offering emotional support, comfort kits, water, snacks and food provided by the Salvation Army and community partners. The shelter is still open to any residents who are in need. We are prepared for an expanded response for shelter expansion as other nearby areas are being threatened.

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Disaster Alert

Florida – A 20-25 acre wildfire burned off Highway 27 South and Okeelanta Road in South Bay, Western Palm Beach County yesterday. Fire is reported to be 50% contained.

The ARC of Greater Palm Beach Chapter’s Disaster Action Team provided meals and snacks from an Emergency Response Vehicle for 60 firefighters.

Disaster Alert

Florida – A brush fire, fanned by gusty winds, prompted the closing of several miles of an interstate in Martin County on Monday. No homes were threatened.

The Martin County Chapter deployed a Disaster Action Team, dispatched an Emergency Response Vehicle, and provided canteen services to emergency responders.

Texas – Two wildfires burned hundreds of acres, destroyed homes, damaged others and prompted the evacuation of hundreds of residents in Amarillo on Sunday.

Disaster Action Team members from the Texas Panhandle Chapter provided individual assistance as needed to disaster victims.

Disaster Alert

California – A wildfire rages out of control and threatened hundreds of homes in Kern County and prompted the evacuation of residents within the affected area on Friday.

The Kern Chapter deployed Disaster Action Team, activated chapter’s Emergency Operations Center, dispatched a shelter trailer and opened a shelter for the evacuees. Shelter closed hours later.