Wildfires in dry states are common… I am originally from Montana, and can recall many a summer with smoke in the air. Wildfire paired with Colorado wind is simply a devastating combination. Colorado is on fire, and if you haven’t heard about these fires yet, it’s possible that you live under a rock….
The Cameron Peak Fire, the largest in Colorado history started on August 13th, and has burned more than 100 structures thus far – the blaze is currently 62% contained. Despite best efforts from firefighters on the front lines, the fire has been steadily creeping toward Loveland and Ft. Collins, both densely populated areas, and has already forced evacuations in Larimer County. If you live in/near this area you can stay connected to the latest news and track messages at NoCoAlerts.org, the official source of emergency information. Text LCEVAC to 888777 to receive messages directly to mobile phones. Those in evacuation areas that need sheltering assistance may call the Red Cross at 970-324-3211 or 970-481-1243. If you are in need of recovery assistance, please click here for Recovery Resources for Residents Impacted by Cameron Peak Fire.
As if the largest blaze in Colorado history wasn’t enough, two more fires sprung up over the weekend. The Lefthand Canyon Fire near Ward has burned over 300 acres, and the Calwood Fire has burned over 8,000 acres and is only 15% contained. Thousands of people in Boulder County have been evacuated, and at least 26 homes have been lost. Evacuation orders can be found by clicking here, and the latest information can be found on the Boulder Office of Emergency Management’s website, by clicking here.
As I sit here, it’s hard to imagine what I would do if I saw a fire coming over the ridge and heading for my home, but that is what these people are facing. Some have already lost their homes, and many are afraid of what will come. Over the weekend, the same thought kept repeating in my head: HOW CAN I HELP?
Here’s how…..
CAMERON PEAK FIRE – LARIMER COUNTY
We know you all want to do your part to help first responders and those impacted by the 2020 wildfires. The best way you can help is to make a monetary donation to Larimer disaster nonprofits. https://www.larimervoad.org/partners.html
These nonprofits play an indispensable role in disaster response and recovery, including the Cameron Peak Fire & Lewstone. Larimer County thanks you for your support of these partnering agencies.
Important note: responding agencies are not excepting physical donations right now. This includes food, clothing and other items. Our first responders have specific dietary needs while working on the front line and food donations cannot be used. We ask that residents do not support drives for any physical items at this time. We appreciate the good intentions, but unsolicited donations create additional logistical support, which is not readily available.
OTHER OPTIONS FOR MONETARY DONATIONS:
The American Red Cross
For natural disasters and emergencies both big and small, the American Red Cross is always there to help those in need, and the Cameron Peak Fire is no exception. While the Northern Colorado chapter is operating an evacuation center, the best way to support them at this time is by making a financial donation online, over the phone or by mail.
Larimer Humane Society
Larimer Humane Society is assisting impacted communities by retrieving companion animals, offering water assistance for companion animals within the fire zone, providing information on lost and found animals, and providing temporary shelter for evacuated companion animals. The best way to support their efforts is by making a monetary donation, which allows them to continue rescuing animals throughout Larimer County. Learn more about what Larimer Humane Society is doing and how you can help here.
Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America has been assisting with pre-evacuation calls for the Cameron Peak Fire. This faith-based organization has been serving the most vulnerable for nearly 125 years, taking on the most difficult tasks to help the most underserved. Help support their efforts — for both the Cameron Peak Fire and COVID-19 — by contributing a monetary donation.
Local Fire Departments
As mentioned, fire departments are not accepting physical donations at this time, but there are several accepting monetary donations. This is the best way to fuel the incredible work they are doing, especially during such a difficult time.
Glen Haven Area Volunteer Fire Department: Donate Here
Livermore Fire Protection District: Donate Here
Loveland Fire Rescue Authority: Donate Via Mail or In Person (Details Here)
Poudre Canyon Fire Protection District: Donate Here
Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department: Donate Here
Provide Temporary Housing for the Larimer Humane Society
If you would like to offer hands-on assistance and have some room to spare, consider providing temporary housing for animals affected by the fire, ranging from dogs and cats to goats and guinea pigs. Click here to sign up to provide temporary animal housing through the Larimer Humane Society. At this time, the humane society is not in need of donated food or supplies, and is limiting volunteers to their existing volunteer crew due to COVID-19, so this is an excellent way to get involved with their efforts.
CALWOOD AND LEFTHAND CANYON FIRES – BOULDER COUNTY:
The Boulder Office of Emergency Management is looking for the following:
Volunteers: Individual volunteers are encouraged to look for opportunities through www.volunteermatch.com in your area. They are are still in response and not needing individual volunteers at this time, however, recovery will be a long road for many, and your help will be appreciated in the many non-profit organizations helping impacted residents in the area.
Monetary Donations: Please donate funds for impacted residents to the https://www.commfound.org/ Community Foundation Serving Boulder County.
Goods: If you would like to donate household/healthcare/clothing items, please donate them to local non-profits like Our Center and Sister Carmen Community Center, and thrift stores in your area.
Lodging/Housing: Individual offers of housing, although very generous, cannot be coordinated through Boulder County emergency response due to legal and liability concerns.
If you are able to donate any of these things, please click here to fill out the donation form on the Boulder Office of Emergency Management’s website.
Boulder Valley Humane Society – Currently asking for monetary donations only
LOCAL FIRE STATIONS – Donations
Lefthand Fire Protection District – Donations
Hygiene Fire Protection District – Donations
Sunshine Fire Protection District – Donations
Boulder Creek Fire Protection District – Donations
Fourmile Fire Protection District – Donations
Sugarloaf Fire Protection District – Donations
The Red Cross is helping those affected by the wildfires. Click here to donate.
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