American Red Cross lends helping hand to Chimney Fire house fire victims

Residents of the private Cal Shasta community began returning to their homes this morning – with a little helping hand from the American Red Cross.

Dozens of homes have burned. Today The American Red Cross went door-to-door to give shovels, cleaning supplies and sifters to get through the ash – to help these people get back on their feet.

“They had all kinds of supplies for people that needed it,” Cal Shasta resident Tracy English said.

19-year Cal Shasta residents Mark and Tracy English say this fire has been devastating for their Cal Shasta community and their neighbors. The American Red Cross was there Saturday , one by one, helping residents with everything from bleach to counseling.

“They came far to help out so God bless every one of them that helped here,” English said.

20 American Red Cross volunteers did their best to bring some comfort to these house fire victims.

“So here are some of the supplies we actually give out, we give out shovels and rakes just for clearing out and checking their belongings to see if there’s anything left,” Ryan Cullom with the American Red Cross volunteer said.

The American Red Cross was even giving out “Mickey Mouse” toys for any kids that have lost all their toys.

“(We gave out) sifters to actually go through ash just to check if there’s any personal items that have survived the fire,” Cullom said.

They also gave out gloves, trash bags, cleaning supplies and masks.

“They lost a lot of structures, nothing left, just complete rubble, in some cases not even chimneys are standing,” Cullom said.

People told us that the Red Cross and first responders on this fire have been life savers.

“This community is just one of many fires so their resources are stretched pretty thin and for them to come and do this, they did an outstanding job,” Cal
Shasta resident Mark English said.

Here’s a link if you’d like to help out the American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/mo2w