Fires Continue to Rage in Northern California
The Carr Fire—the largest of the 17 currently ravaging Northern California, and the fourth most destructive in the state’s history—has claimed the lives of seven people and burned through 160,049 acres across Shasta and Trinity counties (at press time), as well as destroyed over 1,000 homes, 24 commercial buildings and 500 other structures, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Forty-three percent of the blaze has been contained to date.
Meanwhile, the Ranch and River Fires in Mendocino County have destroyed over 9,000 structures (41 of which were residences), and burned through 218,319 and 48,663 acres, respectively. Outside of Yosemite National Park, the Ferguson Fire—only 38 percent contained—continues to grow, burning through 89,633 acres so far.
Over 35,000 were ordered to evacuate at the peak of the wildfires. Over the weekend, the White House approved FEMA-provided disaster assistance, allowing affected Californians to apply for home repairs, temporary housing, loans to cover uninsured property losses, and more.
“The California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) has a Disaster Relief Fund to help REALTOR® family members who have been impacted by any natural disaster,” according to the organization. “The Association established the fund in the wake of the 2003 California wildfires. Grants provided by the fund are used to help members of the REALTOR® family—REALTORS®, their staff and Association members and their staff—who have incurred substantial losses due to wildfires and other disasters by distributing grants of $1,000 to $10,000.”
According to C.A.R., donations can be made online, or directly to the California Community Foundation (221 S. Figueroa St., Ste. 400, Los Angeles, CA 90012). Checks are payable to the California Community Foundation, with “C.A.R. Disaster Relief Fund” in the memo.
In 2017, wildfires claimed the lives of 46 people and destroyed almost 12,000 structures, according to CAL FIRE.
Liz Dominguez is RISMedia’s associate content editor. Email her your real estate news ideas at ldominguez@rismedia.com. For the latest real estate news and trends, bookmark RISMedia.com.
