Silver Spring, Maryland—The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is working with local partner organizations to assess and respond to the needs of survivors of wildfires that have destroyed more than 1,400 homes and structures, forcing up to a million people to evacuate.

Beginning last weekend, more than 20 fires have charred an estimated 723 square miles, devastating residents in fire-threatened neighborhoods across southern California, from the Mexican border up to northern Los Angeles County. On Thursday, strong Santa Ana winds that have fueled the fires began to calm, providing an opportunity for firefighters and firefighting aircrafts to make headway.

Evacuation orders in San Diego County and the city of San Diego were lifted Wednesday evening, allowing some residents to return home; however, approximately 20,000 remained in shelters, according to county officials. Immediate needs include food, water, shelter, hygiene kits, debris clean-up assistance, and counseling services.

ADRA has committed an initial $50,000 to fund the response efforts of its partner organizations to meet the most pressing needs of survivors, many of whom are uninsured and have been left destitute by the tragedy. Workers are currently on the ground, assessing needs and preparing to provide emergency relief, including food and housing assistance.

ADRA is also committed to providing long-term recovery assistance in the fire-affected region. "As the humanitarian agency of a church that cares for the community, ADRA is doing everything it can to support the communities affected by these terrible fires. We are committed for the long haul," said Frank Teeuwen, bureau chief of emergency management at ADRA International.

To donate to ADRA's emergency response effort to aid survivors of the California wildfires, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or donate online to ADRA's California Fires fund at www.adra.org.

Updates will be released as ADRA's response efforts expand.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org.

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Author: Nadia McGill

Media Contact: Kara Watkins ADRA International 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904 Phone: 301.680.6357 E-mail: Media.Inquiries@adra.org