It exploded overnight from a small smoky brush fire into a raging inferno scorching some 31,000 acres in one night Dec. 4 and threatened tens of thousands of residents in the area around Santa Paula and Ventura.
The so-called Thomas Fire burning in the eastern hills of Ventura County, was fanned by up to 70 mph winds in an unstoppable march to the sea and destroyed some 150 structures in its first night. Already, the United Way is asking for donations to help those affected by the Thomas Fire.
“United Way of Ventura County, the American Red Cross of Ventura County, and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services have formed a strategic partnership that will be vital in helping the community recover,” reads a Dec. 5 news release from United Way. “Notably, the residents of the 150 homes and several apartment buildings that have already been destroyed and the estimated 600 people who are being temporarily housed at the fairgrounds will need our support and resources.”
United Way set up the “Thomas Fire Fund” and a text-to-give campaign with 100% of the donations going “to support those in our community affected by the wildfires.”
Donations can be made by texting UWVC to 41444, online at: www.vcunitedway.org or call (805) 485-6288.
Checks may be sent to the United Way Office at 702 County Square Dr., Ste. 100, Ventura, CA 93003. And write “Thomas Fire Fund” in the memo line.
Staff and volunteers from the County O.E.S., United Way, Red Cross, Volunteer Agencies Active in Disaster (VOAD), Lutheran Social Services, and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief have an agreement to implement and manage the wildfire relief fund.
When the Thomas Fire is finally put out, representatives from community and faith-based organizations will convene to assess needs and allocate money from the fund.
Committee participation will be driven by the communities affected and services needed in response to the disaster.
