As Wildfires Burn Across Northern California, Direct Relief Delivers Critical Aid

By Bryn Blanks

At least 24 have been reported dead, almost 900 missing, and over 100 hospitalized as destructive, fast-moving wildfires continue to sweep across Northern California. The largest of nearly a dozen fires began to spread on Sunday through Sonoma, Napa and Medocino county, where winds exceeding 50 mph and dry conditions ignited the blaze.

As firefighters work to contain wildfires burning more than 160,000 acres in California, Direct Relief has offered emergency assistance to California’s Office of Emergency Services, the Napa County Public Health Department, and more than 40 health centers and clinics in the affected region.

This is what we saw when we went to Santa Rosa, CA. The death toll is now 13 from the devastating fires ripping through Northern California. Officials are prepared for that number to rise: 150 people have been reported missing. ( ?: @bvanderbrug)

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On Monday, Oct. 9 Direct Relief sent a shipment of N95 respiratory masks to Lake County Public Health Department to help residents filter out particulates and ash in the air.

Additional emergency medical supplies were delivered Tuesday night to Sonoma Public Health for wildfire evacuees.

Included in the shipment was an Emergency Health Kit designed to treat up to 100 patients for three to five days. The kit contains key items like antibiotics, wound care supplies and medications for chronic diseases.

Beyond the immediate danger posed to nearby communities, wildfires can exacerbate chronic health issues such as asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. For those with such conditions, fires deal a harsh mix of smoke, dust and other particulates in the air.

Personal care packs were also included in the shipment for communities who remain displaced due to the deadly fires.

The aid arrived at a crucial time as mandatory evacuations remain in effect and many shelters have reached full capacity, according to Sonoma Public Health.

Direct Relief staff will continue to deliver much-needed medicines and supplies to health clinics and evacuation centers throughout the week.

Direct Relief’s Gilbert Gonzalez loads critically-needed medical aid into FedEx delivery truck. The shipment will assist emergency response efforts in Northern California, where wildfires have left 92,000 without power. (Bryn Blanks/Direct Relief)

As a longstanding member of the California Business Operations Center, Direct Relief will continue to distribute vital medical resources during this emergency and ensure coordination with official fire response efforts.

Direct Relief maintains an inventory of fire-related items – N-95 particulate masks, inhalers, nebulizers and personal care items – for wildfire events, which will remain available to partners upon request.

Check back for additional updates as the response continues to unfold.

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