Due to the extreme winds and lack of rain, two fires broke out in the north and the east of California in January, and burned for nearly two weeks. Fires like this are becoming more and more frequent, a consequence of global warming and the increasingly intense weather that comes with it. Almost 30 people have been confirmed deceased, dozens of people are reported missing, and many more are struggling with the repercussions of the destruction. Evacuation orders reached nearly 200,000 people across the state and those who left their homes are unsure that there will be a home to return to.
People throughout the world know people who were affected by these fires. Camila Gru-Salvaggione, a freshman at Cresskill High School, has family in California. She explained, “My sister-in-law’s parents were forced to evacuate their home because of the fires.” Even though the fires are primarily in California, the impact of them can be felt throughout the nation. If this issue isn’t addressed, it isn’t only California that will feel the heat.
In an attempt to help the victims of the fires, Cresskill High School’s Red Cross Club had a bake sale in which all proceeds were donated to those in need. As Isabelle Son, one of the junior student leaders of the Red Cross Club, explained, “Huge chunks of California have been completely wiped out, leaving countless homeless and without any belongings.” Many students offered their time and money to make sure the bake sale went off without a hitch.
If you want to help those struggling with the fires there are many sites for you to donate money or supplies to. No amount is too small; to help those affected by the fires, you can donate 10 dollars to the Red Cross Foundation by going to redcross.org, calling 1-800-733-2767, or texting REDCROSS to 90999. In order to donate to help the firefighters in California, you can go to cpf.salsalabs.org/cff-donation/index.html and simply choose the donation amount and input your information. Or of course, you can join Cresskill High School’s Red Cross Club to help support these families now and in the future!
