West Coast Wildfire Relief: Helping Children

WEST COAST WILDFIRES: This is the first of a 3-part report highlighting the wildfire devastation in the Salem, OR, area. You can read the full blog here.

Stephanie, a board member for the Salem Cloth Project, worked in the Emergency Operations Center during the fires. Here’s her recount of the experience: 

"On Labor Day, I had my sister and her family over for a BBQ. As the day wore on, the sky gradually filled with smoke. I was confused as to what it was, but honestly didn't think much of it. 

“When I woke up for work on Tuesday morning, I read about what had happened in the canyon. I saw that places that my loved ones lived had been issued evacuation orders. I read that some towns had been completely burnt to the ground. I was mortified. 

“I went to work, at our county public works office, and had a really difficult time focusing on my normal job. I felt I needed to be helping or doing something. While I was working that day, my sister and her family evacuated to my house. 

“When I got home, my tiny house was full of family and dogs - normally this would energize me, but I could tell how scared the kids were and the vibe was really tense. The next day was the same - tense, scary, not knowing what to expect, worried about all those who had been affected. 

“By the end of the day on Wednesday, my help in the Emergency Operations Center was requested. Beginning Thursday, I worked in the EOC for over two weeks. I saw first-hand the stress, the emotions, the desire to help everyone at once combined with a lack of resources. The first few days were 13+ hour days. While they were full of sad stories and uncertainty, they were also full of hope. It's funny how an emergency really shows you what people can and are willing to do for each other. Everybody banded together and gave their all for their community. It was truly touching.”

Links:

• 2020 Year so Far Report
• WEST COAST WILDFIRES BLOG