Nov 17, 2008 — The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles continues to provide assistance to those affected by a wildfire that devastated areas of northern San Fernando Valley; scorching 9,500 acres, destroying over 150 homes and commercial buildings, a mobile home park and forcing 10,000 people to evacuate.

At the height of the disaster, four Red Cross shelters were operating. As of Sunday evening, Red Cross shelters had served over 7,580 meals and snacks, and registered more than 879 people.

The Red Cross is currently operating one shelter for evacuees:

Sylmar High School
Borden Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342
See Red Cross shelter map

A 24-hour call center has been established to handle general inquiries relating to the Sayre wildfire: (310) 943-5268. Callers will be given information regarding donations, volunteering, and making contact with loved ones affected by the fires.

For shelter information relating to the Triange Complex Wildfire in Orange County, please visit the Orange County Red Cross website at http://www.oc-redcross.org or call (714) 384-0884.

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Looking for a loved one?
The Safe and Well Web site allows those directly affected by a disaster to let their loved ones know of their well-being.

For those without internet access, call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) to register yourself and your family. Follow the prompts for disaster information.

Concerned family members who know the person’s phone number (home, cell or work) or a complete home address can search for the messages posted by those who self-register.

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The wildfire season remains very active this year in Southern California. The American Red Cross has provided a help section, “What to Do if Wildfire Threatens Your Area”.

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If you would like to become a volunteer with the American Red Cross, visit our Volunteer section and sign up for an upcoming Volunteer Orientation or contact a Volunteer liaison at (866) 548-8226.

Being prepared in any emergency is always recommended. To learn how to perform CPR, or to get training in First Aid, call 1-800-627-7000 for a list of upcoming classes in your area.

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How You Can Help
You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the California wildfires, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. This Fund enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disasters. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation by either contacting 1-800-REDCROSS or visiting www.redcrossla.org or mail to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC20013.