A California wildfire, called the Mountain Fire, erupted this morning in the Moorpark-Somis area of Ventura County in Southern California. The fire, which is 0% contained, is spreading rapidly due to strong winds, with gusts exceeding 80 miles per hour, and has burned close to 9,000 acres. Local firefighters are actively battling the Mountain Fire, and mandatory evacuation orders are in effect, with road closures impacting the area. Multiple shelters have been established for residents and animals, including horses.

Direct Relief’s Response to California Wildfires

Direct Relief is headquartered approximately 45 miles north of the fire, and is deploying staff and resources to assist residents, emergency responders, and firefighters battling the blaze. Direct Relief is in the process of delivering 3M-donated N95 respirators to help people at risk from wildfire smoke, essential hygeine items for evacuees in shelters, and emergency medical supplies to support first responders and healthcare professionals in the affected area.

Direct Relief is in frequent contact with state and local organizations to gauge needs and offer support, including to the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, California Primary Care Association, and California Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. Offers have also been made to local safety clinics and partners to provide assistance as needs arise, and the organization stands ready to make more masks available to residents should air quality deteriorate further.

Support for Healthcare Facilities in Emergencies

As part of Direct Relief’s commitment to enhancing resilience in the face of natural disasters, the organization’s Power for Health initiative has equipped healthcare facilities across California with solar and battery storage systems. This initiative ensures that health centers and free clinics can continue operating during power outages, allowing them to provide uninterrupted care to vulnerable populations during wildfire events and other emergencies. Direct Relief’s recent projects include installations at community health centers in Santa Maria and Simi Valley, strengthening critical healthcare infrastructure when it is most needed.

Wildfire Response Expertise

Direct Relief has a long history of responding to wildfires in California, from the devastating Camp Fire to recent fires across the state. Through partnerships with local agencies and healthcare facilities, the organization has provided personal protective equipment, medical supplies, and financial support to aid communities impacted by wildfires. Direct Relief remains ready to respond to the ongoing Mountain Fire and to continue supporting impacted communities.