California Fire Foundation Provides More Than $25,000 in Support for Survivors of the Fork Fire

The California Fire Foundation activated over 100 of its Disaster Relief cash cards and distributed them to survivors of the recent Fork Fire in Madera County. The cards were distributed at the Local Assistance Center at North Fork Elementary School.

The Foundation’s activated cash cards provide more than $25,000 in rapid assistance to low-income and Native American residents displaced by the disaster. The California Fire Foundation coordinated the cash card distribution with United Way Fresno and Madera Counties with additional funding support from the Foundation’s partners the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) and Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA).

“When disaster hits communities, they need aid and they need that aid quickly,” said Rick Martinez, Executive Director of the California Fire Foundation. “By partnering with organizations such as Cal OES, United Way Fresno and Madera Counties, RCRC and GSFA, we know that help will reach survivors quickly at a time they need it most.”

The California Fire Foundation’s Disaster Relief program brings immediate, short-term relief in the amount of a $250 cash card to survivors of wildfire or other disasters throughout California. The Disaster Relief cards provide immediate relief so they may purchase basic supplies such as medicine, food, gas, lodging, or clothing.

“Thanks to the California Fire Foundation’s donation and our community partners at the Local Assistance Center, United Way Fresno and Madera Counties was able to distribute 101 Disaster Relief cash cards offering critical aid to people who were impacted by the Fork Fire,” said Rico Peralta, Director of Program and Training at United Way Fresno and Madera Counties. “This is a first critical step in supporting people as they rebuild their lives after losing their home, personal belongings and their pets in some cases.”

The Fork Fire has burned over 800 acres and destroyed 43 structures since it began on September 7. This fire was fully contained on September 13.

The California Fire Foundation has been able to distribute over 2,286 Disaster Relief cash cards totaling over $571,500 to those impacted by the Oak, McKinney, Mill, Mountain, Mosquito and Fork Fires this year.

For more information on California Fire Foundation’s Disaster Relief program and how to support this vital program, visit www.cafirefoundation.org/programs/disaster-relief-programs.

The California Fire Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect. Formed in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, the California Fire Foundation’s mission includes survivor and victim assistance programs and a range of community initiatives. cafirefoundation.org.

Media Contact: Carroll Wills, CA Fire Foundation; (800) 890-3213; cffcommunications@cpf.org