North Texans are stepping up to assist those affected by the devastating California wildfires
Denton: More folks from North Texas are jumping in to help out with the wildfires in Southern California. The Santa Ana winds have really kicked things up a notch, making the situation even tougher.
Barbara Monteilh, a Red Cross volunteer from Denton, has been following the heartbreaking news. She decided to take action after seeing the destruction and met some survivors on Monday.
“I got a call on Sunday around 11 a.m. asking for volunteers,” she shared. “By 3 p.m., I had my flight booked and was ready to go.”
Now, she’s in Pasadena, working at one of the larger shelters. “There are about 350 survivors here. Some have lost their homes, while others are just in evacuated areas but still need a place to stay,” she explained.
The shelters are set up to help these folks figure out their next steps and find housing so they can start rebuilding their lives.
“We offer health services, mental health support, and spiritual help. It’s all here for the survivors, especially since many don’t have cars to access these resources,” Monteilh added.
The Red Cross has opened seven shelters and is ready to assist more areas if needed. “We have over 350 Red Crossers in the field, and many are from the Los Angeles region,” said Doyle Rader, a regional communication manager.
With winds expected to reach dangerous levels again, Rader believes more North Texans will come to help. “We have about 900 people staying with us in our shelters,” he noted.
Winds could hit 45 to 70 mph, which might undo some of the progress made against the wildfires.
Wes Parsons from the Greenville Fire Department shared that he and over 135 firefighters from Texas are on the ground in California. “We just finished a 24-hour shift at the Palisades Fire,” he said.
Parsons’ team is well-prepared, thanks to their training back home. “We’re ready to jump in and work with California’s emergency services,” he explained.
The Palisades and Eaton Wildfires have already claimed two dozen lives and destroyed many neighborhoods. “This fire has been devastating. It’ll take a long time for this area to recover,” Parsons said.
His team will rest for now but is ready for whatever comes next. “We’re here to help wherever we’re needed,” he added.
For anyone in North Texas wanting to volunteer with the Red Cross, they’re hosting training sessions. “We really need volunteers,” Monteilh emphasized. “We need help.”
