Fueled by Santa Ana winds, the Highland Fire erupted earlier this week in Southern California and has now grown to cover 2,487 acres as of Thursday. The fire is only 25% contained, which has prompted evacuation orders and warnings in parts of Aguanga, Riverside County, located around 100 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 75 miles northeast of San Diego.

In response to the wildfire, Direct Relief has dispatched an emergency wildfire health kit shipment, which includes respiratory medications, eye drops, chronic disease medications, first aid supplies, and PPE, including N-95 masks to protect against inhalation of fine particulate matter from ash and smoke. The kit will be delivered to Health Center Partners, the regional primary care association for Riverside County to begin assisting patients in impacted areas.

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. An air quality advisory has been issued in areas across Southern California through Thursday evening as a result of the Highland fire.

Direct Relief is based in California and responds to fires each year, maintaining an inventory of fire-related items – N-95 particulate masks, inhalers, nebulizers, and personal care items – which are available to healthcare centers and clinics upon their request.

Direct Relief will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves and provide updates as they become available.