California Fire Foundation Disaster Relief Cash Cards Provide More Than $87,000 in Support for Survivors of the McKinney Fire

The California Fire Foundation has activated hundreds of its Disaster Relief cash cards and distributed them to survivors of the recent devastating McKinney Fire in Siskiyou County. To date, 350 cards were distributed at the local assistance center at the College of the Siskiyous, Yreka Campus on Wednesday, August 17, and Thursday, August 18.

The Foundation’s activated cash cards provide more than $87,000 in rapid assistance to those in need. The California Fire Foundation coordinated the cash card distribution with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Siskiyou Domestic Violence & Crisis Center (SDVCC) in Yreka.

“In the midst, and aftermath, of a disaster, it is vital we help those affected quickly and effectively,” said Rick Martinez, Executive Director of the California Fire Foundation. “By partnering with Cal OES and community-based organizations on the ground such as SDVCC, we can distribute aid more quickly to those in dire need.”

The California Fire Foundation’s Disaster Relief program brings immediate, short-term relief in the amount of a $250 cash card to survivors of fire or other disasters throughout California. The Disaster Relief cards provide immediate relief so they may purchase basic necessities such as medicine, food, gas, lodging, or clothing.

“Our community is reeling from this devastating wildfire,” said Carla Charraga, Executive Director, SDVCC. “These Disaster Relief cash cards from the California Fire Foundation offer an immediate lifeline to help them through these traumatic times.”

The McKinney Fire has killed at least four people and burned more than 60,389 acres since it began on Friday, July 29.

For more information on California Fire Foundation’s Disaster Relief program and how to support this vital program, visit www.cafirefoundation.org/programs/disaster-relief-programs.

The California Fire Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect. Formed in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, the California Fire Foundation’s mission includes survivor and victim assistance programs and a range of community initiatives. cafirefoundation.org.

Contact: Carroll Wills, CA Fire Foundation; (800) 890-3213; cwills@cpf.org