The following article is taken from the Red Cross Website.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007 — Raging wildfires continued to threaten thousands of Southern California residents for the third straight day as fierce desert winds fueled the inferno.

Blazing fires forced an estimated 320,000 people to evacuate their homes as firefighters struggled to keep pace with shifting winds and advancing flames. According to media reports, at least 16 wildfires have combined to scorch more than 425 square miles of scrubland and residential property. Low humidity and high temperatures are expected to further intensify the damage caused by the rapidly spreading fires.

More than 500 Red Cross employees and volunteers have been on the ground helping with relief efforts since the fires began on Sunday. More than 3,000 evacuees took refuge in Red Cross shelters—which were set up in areas outside the threatened neighborhoods—and were comforted with hot meals and a safe place to sleep. Red Cross mental health workers were available to provide emotional support and help those uprooted from their homes deal with their fears and anxieties.

“People are still on edge, knowing that the fire can change direction at any time,” says Nick Samaniego, public information officer for the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Red Cross. “They have been here for two days now, waiting for news that it's safe to return. They're ready to go home.”

Samaniego says that despite the gravity and uncertainty of the situation, people have been helpful.

“I've helped with a lot of operations before, but one thing that really stands out here is the positive atmosphere,” he says. “At one point, we were stretched thin and the local residents were the first to jump in and help out. It's great to see that even in their time of need, they're helping us.”

Help on the Way

As volatile desert winds and intense fires continue to torch the drought-hit region, the American Red Cross is sending 2,000 shelter workers and volunteers into the area to help with relief and recovery efforts. In addition, hundreds of “spontaneous” volunteers are arriving and being put to work. More than 75 mobile feeding vehicles have already been dispatched, along with thousands of comfort kits, blankets, and cots and more than 50,000 prepackaged meals.

Red Cross workers are also distributing water and food to firefighters and emergency workers in the affected areas. The Red Cross continues to work with its partners and local authorities to respond to the needs of those affected by the fires.

People affected by the wildfires are encouraged to register themselves on the Red Cross Safe and Well Website. Family members and friends can log on and search for registered individuals to learn of their whereabouts and status.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the California wildfires, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.