The Post Fire has ravaged more than 15,600 acres of land in northern Los Angeles County and is only 8% contained. The fire broke out on Saturday, June 15, 2024, in Gorman and intense winds swiftly carried the fire southeast. Currently, 1,200 people have been evacuated. There have been reports of at least one injury and one structure destroyed.  

Only one of 11 fires that have erupted in California this weekend, the Post Fire is notable for its size and swift growth. Firefighters are attributing the considerable number of fires this weekend to the wind gusts, elevated temperatures, and low humidity across the state. On Monday, the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for most of central California.  

Direct Relief is in communication with health clinics and health centers within a 50-mile radius of the Post Fire, as well as state and regional primary care associations, about potential needs. 

The organization this year received 5 million N95 masks for disaster response, including during wildfires. Direct Relief has also completed resilient power projects on health facilities in high-fire areas that are often impacted by wildfires and outages. 

Fires and Health Risks

Maintaining a standing inventory of medications and supplies commonly requested during and in the wake of wildfires and other disasters is a top priority for the organization. This inventory includes inhalers and other asthma treatments, chronic disease medications, N95 masks, eye drops, and hygiene kits, among other medical support. 
 
Any disaster can cause existing medical issues to worsen, as continuity of care is interrupted and people are forced to evacuate, often without lifesaving medication. Power outages can force clinics to close and pose serious risks to people who use electronically powered medical devices. When people shelter in close quarters, sanitation issues frequently lead to outbreaks of contagious diseases such as norovirus. 
 
But wildfires carry additional, unique health risks, including respiratory and ocular issues or complications to chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and asthma. Children and older adults, as well as people with pre-existing conditions, are at particular risk. 
 
During wildfires, Direct Relief reaches out to local health care providers and other responding organizations to offer emergency medical support. Typically, requests for medications and supplies tend to come in the days and weeks following a disaster, as health responders determine needs on the ground. 
 
Direct Relief will continue to monitor this fire, and others burning across California, and offer targeted support as needed.