Wildfires are raging across Colorado and the West. Too many of our citizens know all too well the hardship of losing a home to wildfire. But even after a fire is contained, members of our community still need your help.
The effects of wildfires can go on for years.
Helping with Wildfires
Want to help, but not sure how? We have assembled a list of ways you can help displaced families, firefighters and even the scorched land.
Make a donation, but remember “Cash is King” (financial donations). Often, we think of clothes and canned goods as the best way to provide help to those in need. But overloading disaster organizations with these things can sometimes be more of a burden than a blessing. Cash donations allow legitimate organizations to buy specific things to meet the needs of the communities they are serving.
And just as importantly, watch out for scams.
Legitimate Organizations
Local organizations helping fire victims accepting financial donations.
Care and Share Colorado Disaster Relief Care and Share is asking for financial gifts to help remain flexible to the needs of the community. You can donate via their website online here.
American Red Cross You can donate to your local chapter online here.
The Salvation Army Online donations can be made here.
For local organizations assisting in disaster relief with regular updates regarding need, check out Help Colorado Now and visit the “current disasters” page.
To support families of firefighters lost in the line of duty, donate to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.
Spring Fire in Huerfano and Costilla Counties
See Spanish Peaks Community Foundation Online donations are accepted here.
Lake Christine Fire near Basalt, CO
See The Aspen Community Fund You can donate online here.
Looking to support post fire and flooding mitigation projects, consider donating or volunteering with CUSP (Coalition of the Upper South Platte). CUSP supports watershed protection efforts and has been instrumental in the Waldo Canyon Fire recovery efforts since 2012.
Other Ways to Help
One of the best ways you can help with wildfires is to prevent them. Know local fire rules and regulations. Take a look at where fires are burning around the state before heading out on a trip.
Consider writing a “thank you” letter to firefighters. Or leave notes of appreciation on Facebook or Web pages such as this one for the firefighters responding to the Chateau (near Cripple Creek) and Weston Pass (near Fairplay).
And know what to do, if a fire hits close to home. Here are some tips from one of our other writers, who has been through an evacuation herself.