Multiple fast-moving fires continue to burn and spread in Southern California, with extensive drought and significant Santa Ana winds combining to expand fires rapidly, with little-to-no containment. We will not know the full impact until the fires are under control and extinguished. In the meantime, Week of Compassion is in close contact with Regional leadership in the Pacific Southwest Region, the regional Disaster Response Team, state and county VOADs, and local pastors in the area. ​

Following the extensive wildfires in the Texas Panhandle in late February, Week of Compassion has been in regular contact with our local churches and ecumenical partners in the area. Caroline Hamilton-Arnold, Associate Director for Domestic Disaster Response, notes that in local coordination calls, no material donations were being requested (mostly due to space limitations for sorting and storing donations).

​In addition to Solidarity Grants to the churches in the affected areas, Week of Compassion’s primary engagement will be in the rebuilding and long-term recovery.

“Everything we usually do has been turned upside down,” says Lisa Crouch, Associate Director of Children’s Disaster Services, a Week of Compassion partner through Brethren Disaster Ministries. Children have unique needs following disasters, and CDS typically provides trauma-informed childcare in evacuation shelters and disaster resource centers during and after disasters. But as the pandemic has changed the face of disaster response, CDS has adapted their work for the COVID-19 context. ​

As wildfires continue to spread across much of the west, Week of Compassion is learning more about the widespread impacts and needs. In Oregon, an historic number of fires have burned more than 1 million acres of land, and parts of the state currently have the worst air quality in the world. Hundreds of thousands of people are under evacuation orders-- including more than 100 Disciples households. 
 
In the midst of this ongoing emergency, churches are working to serve their neighbors. Local partnerships are critical, and existing ministries provide opportunities for response in a crisis situation. Congregations in Oregon are working with other leaders and relief organizations to identify specific needs in their area. In partnership with the Region, Week of Compassion is supporting congregations as they serve their wider communities. This response through local churches allows our impact to reach even farther, as Disciples work to meet the critical needs of their neighbors. ​

​Multiple wildfires continue to burn across California, including three major fires surrounding the Bay Area. The SCU Fire, affecting the East Bay Area, has burned over 360k acres and is only 15% contained. The CZU Fire, affecting South Bay and Santa Cruz areas, has burned over 78k acres and is only 17% contained. Meanwhile, the LNU Fire, in Sonoma and Napa Counties, is over 350k acres, with 27% containment. Across the three incidents, more than 1500 structures have been damaged or destroyed.