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AUG
The Salvation Army Responds to Fires in Washington and Idaho -- UPDATED
August 20, 2015 (SEATTLE) – The Salvation Army continues to assist as the fast-moving fires sweep through Washington and Idaho. In all areas, the impact ranges from damaged to destroyed homes and businesses. Many families have evacuated the area, moving to safety and leaving their home behind. Yesterday, three firefighters were killed in the blaze near Twisp, WA.
Status Report: Washington
Currently 16 fires, burning 326,000 acres (source: The National Interagency Fire Center, www.nifc.gov).
Families impacted by the fires can visit local Salvation Army offices for support, including gas cards and vouchers for the nearby Salvation Army thrift store. The vouchers can be redeemed for clothing and other needed items.
Salvation Army social services office – for voucher and Safeway gas card pick up
• 1205 S. Columbia Street, Wenatchee, 98801; 509-662-8864
Salvation Army thrift store – to redeem vouchers
• 1219 N. Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee, 98801; 509-662-5103
A chaplain will be deployed to support families who are suffering. During this stressful time, a quiet conversation with a friendly listener can be a valuable resource.
A mobile feeding unit (“canteen”) is stocked and will be deployed to Brewster, WA, tomorrow morning to serve meals to the firefighters and other aid workers.
Status Report: Idaho
Currently 17 fires, burning 390,000 acres (source: The National Interagency Fire Center, www.nifc.gov)
Families impacted by the fires can visit local Salvation Army offices for support, including vouchers for the nearby Salvation Army thrift store. The vouchers can be redeemed for clothing and other needed items.
Salvation Army social services office – for voucher pick up
• 1220 21st Street, Lewiston, 83501; 208-746-9653
Salvation Army thrift store – to redeem vouchers
• 1806 21st Street, Lewiston, 83501; 208-746-9654
A chaplain will be deployed to support families who are suffering. During this stressful time, a quiet conversation with a friendly listener can be a valuable resource.
A mobile feeding unit (“canteen”) is stocked and ready to be deployed when needed.
Projected Future Needs
With all fires burning and none contained yet, Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Director Shaun Jones expects that situations will become worse before improving. “We’re in the field and helping everywhere we can at this time. When the fires are contained, we will transition to clean up and helping families rebuild their lives.”
Clean up crews will be needed after the fires stop burning. This work will be extremely difficult and take several weeks. Also, The Salvation Army will participate in Multi-Agency Resource Centers in each state, to work with other groups to coordinate recovery efforts and make the process easier for the families.
How the Public Can Help
Currently, donors interested in aiding the relief effort are encouraged to give financial donations, which offer great flexibility and enable local disaster responders to purchase exactly what is needed as close to the disaster zone as possible.
The Salvation Army is committed to serving those in need, at the time of need, in the place of need. All Salvation Army disaster services are free and funded entirely through the generosity of donors. There are three ways people can contribute money to The Salvation Army's disaster relief efforts:
1. On-line at: www.SalvationArmyNW.org – designate gift for “Northwest Fires”
2. By phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY – designate gift for “Northwest Fires”
3. By mail: Send your check, marked “Northwest Fires” to
The Salvation Army
Northwest Divisional Headquarters
P. O. Box 9219
Seattle, WA 98109
At this time, The Salvation Army is not requesting in-kind donations from the general public for disaster relief operations in the Northwest. It is more efficient for disaster relief agencies to purchase needed resources locally, for immediate distribution with the disaster area. The best way for donors to help disaster victims is to make a cash donation.
