Community Resources: 2023 Fire Relief and Response
Written by Haleigh Martin on August 21, 2023
Mutual aid resources for community relief, helpful links for emergency response, and where to find information on current fires in the northern Californian region.
Our northern Californian neighbors and community members in both Del Norte and Siskiyou Counties are experiencing severe wildfire and the impacts that come along with it following a series of lightning storms in mid-August. The Smith River Complex fires are burning at over 47,000 acres in extremely rugged terrain, closing Highway 199 and forcing evacuations. The Happy Camp Complex fires are comprised of nearly a dozen fires adding up to over 11,000 acres and forcing evacuations throughout Siskiyou County.
As first responders and wildland firefighters continue to work hard to get a handle on the dozens of fires across northern California, we are feeling grief and sadness for our affected community members of Del Norte and Siskiyou Counties.
Below are lists of resources for those who have been affected by the fires as well as resources for those who would like to donate or offer help to fire victims. We will continue to update this page as additional resources become available.
Map of fires across northern California. The acreage of these wildfires is not updated in real time. Map updated: August 23, 2023. Credit: Watch Duty
Financial and Supply Donations to Those Affected
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The SAVE program is administered directly by participating fire departments across California each day, and mobilizes for rapid disaster relief when communities are impacted by wildfire or natural disasters. Click here to make a donation to the SAVE program.
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The Brookings Harbor Food Bank has opened its doors to those affected by the 2023 wildfires. Items needed most include clothes, blankets, and gas gift cards. Visit their website to make a donation.
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The Siskiyou Food Bank is providing food for evacuees and accepting donations both monetary and new packaged foods to continue providing food to evacuees of the #McKinneyFire
To donate or for more information, visit their website here or call Laura Leech at 530-340-6382
Food Bank Location: 1601 S. Oregon St, STE B, Yreka, CA.
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Rescue Ranch, an animal shelter in Yreka, CA, has taken in over 150 pets and animals in the few days following the ignition of the McKinney Fire. Click here to make a financial donation to the shelter for continued care of these animals.
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The Siskiyou Humane Society is accepting donations to aid in their intake of a variety of animals fleeing from the NorCal fires. Click here to make a donation.
Current Evacuation Zones
Multiple evacuation orders are in effect across northern California. Visit this evacuation zone map for current and up-to-date evacuation zones within northern California. For evacuation updates, visit the Facebook pages of the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, the Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services, and the Del Norte Office of Emergency Services.
Evacuation shelters have been established in Crescent City, CA and Yreka, CA. Learn more here.
Food, Water, and Shelter Resources for Victims
Del Norte County
Free food boxes for victims can be picked up at the Family Resource Center and showers are open to the public at the 'Fred Endert Pool' from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Crescent City, CA. The Brookings Harbor Food Bank is also offering free food to those effected by the fires.
Drinking water is available at the Margaret Keating School located at 300 Minot Creek Road in Klamath and Smith River Elementary School at 564 W. First Street in Smith River.
The Office of Emergency Services is offering "saltwater ice" for free at Pacific Seafood to keep food cold.
Siskiyou County
The Siskiyou County Food Bank in Yreka is offering assistance to wildfire victims of Siskiyou County. Siskiyou Food Assistance is doing the same in Weed.
A Pet Evacuation Center has been opened for cats in Yreka. Contact: (541) 531-1086
The Karuk Wellness Center is offering a shelter for those displaced. Contact: (530) 340-3539
Road Closures
A significant portion of Highway 96 is closed due to the fire. Prior to traveling, please check CalTrans Road Conditions for the most current road conditions.
Fire and Smoke Forecasts
As numerous fires continue to burn in northern California, please visit our Fire Dashboard for up-to-date information. Visit Ryanweather.com for weather updates in the fire zones.
Many communities are not in immediate danger from ongoing fires, but are still enduring hazardous air quality. Please keep up with the latest information on air quality from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality here, get information on the locations of ongoing fires, and learn more about health and air quality from the Oregon Health Authority.
Pacific Crest Trail Closure Updates
A ~100 mile section of the PCT is closed by the Forest Service. The closure runs from Etna Summit at mile 1600.8 north to the California/Oregon border at mile 1692.9. For more information, visit the PCTA website here.
This is not a finalized list of information or resources regarding the 2023 wildfires across the Klamath-Siskiyou region. For wildfire updates, AQI maps, and more, visit our Wildfire Dashboard. If you would like to add resources or information to this page, email haleigh@kswild.org with your request.