Oregon Red Cross responds to Colorado wildfires

Oregon Red Cross volunteers have been deployed to Denver, Colorado to help facilitate response and recovery operations for wildfires in and around Colorado Springs. More than 15,000 acres of land have been scorched by the blaze which has been underway for several days, causing the evacuation of an estimated 32,000 people. 

The unpredictable, fast-moving fires are leaving residents wondering where their family will spend the night, where their next meal will come from, or if their home will still be standing when they return.

Red Cross Oregon Region Chief Operating Officer Eric Corliss left Portland on Tuesday to serve as relief operations manager in Ft. Collins, along with  long-time response volunteer, Margie Thom, who will assist with transportation logistics on site. In addition, four response and recovery volunteers from Oregon Red Cross Willamette Chapter including Kirsten Barnes, Red Vanis, John Venner and Chuck Bennett, have been deployed to undertake supervisory roles in damage assessment, logistics, staffing and public affairs. They are putting their daily lives on hold to help when they are called - that's what Red Crossers do.

At this time, at least six American Red Cross shelters are open and operating in and around Colorado Springs where nearly 200 people are receiving humanitarian assistance including food, shelter, and mental health services.

Since June 9, Red Cross has provided wildfire evacuees with more than:

·         300 overnight shelter stays

·         31,000 meals and snacks

·         4,300 relief items

·         3,000 health and mental health consultations

Support of relief efforts is critical in Colorado and in Oregon where the Red Cross has responded 19 times in the last 17 days, providing assistance to 80 adults and children (and 19 pets). We help our neighbors - near and far - begin their path to recover. And you help us. Thank you for your support.