Disaster Brief: National Service Responds to Wildfires

AmeriCorps sent this bulletin at 08/22/2017 01:42 PM EDT
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National Service Responds to Wildfires

WCC Members survey burned area

From Montana to California, nearly 1,000 National Service members have responded to wildfires this summer. Members have provided critical support to response operations on the front line, behind the scenes, and in the community. See state by state below for more info.  

In the picture above, Washington Conservation Corps members survey a burned area as part of the Red Mountain Fire response in Washington.

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Missoula, MT Wildfire Response

RSVP volunteers staff a call center for wildfire survivors needs

More than 1,000 residents were evacuated from a wildfire near Missoula, MT, recently and 15 Senior Corps volunteers from Missoula Aging Services RSVP project responded swiftly, staffing a call center to support survivor needs.  This call center, in partnership with the Missoula County Office of Emergency Management, informs residents of danger and evacuation orders.  Missoula County currently has three major fires.  

"RSVP volunteers have proven to be a reliable and competent resource to emergency managers coping with the aftermath of disaster and we have found local RSVP volunteers to be diligent, enthusiastic, and competent partners" says Nick Holloway, Office of Emergency Management Projects Coordinator.

Additionally, Montana Conservation Corps deployed AmeriCorps members from their Veteran Green Corps to serve on initial attack, line construction, and mop up on the Sunrise Fire. 

    Other Wildfire Responses

    Idaho

    AmeriCorps NCCC members from the Atlantic Region are deployed to the Hanover Fire in Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forest where they are chipping downed trees into mulch along the fire line.

    Utah

    Utah Conservation Corps members are performing fire mop up, chainsaw work, and habitat restoration from the Brian Head Fire in the Dixie National Forest.

    Washington

    Washington Conservation Corps has been deployed throughout the months of July and August responding to five wildfires.  Members have: expanded control lines, assessed areas for smoke and heat, provided ember control after the burnout fire was contained, and supported firefighter base camp operations. 

    August 2017

    California

    California Conservation Corps has deployed 139 crews to 54 separate fires since July 1 supporting base camp operations and serving on the fire line. Southwest Conservation Corps also deployed to northern California in response to the active Ruth Fire Complex. 

    Resources

    National Service Assets in Times of Disaster

    This document lists the national service resources available for disaster assistance.

    New Disaster Events

    For information on new disaster events, please visit FEMA’s daily situation report.

    CNCS Disaster Services Knowledge Network

    This online network provides a place to share what works at the intersection of disaster services and national service.

    Disaster Preparedness

    To learn more about how to prepare your family and community, please visit Ready.gov. 

    Disaster Distress Helpline

    1-800-985-5990

    The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, year-round crisis counseling and support. The Helpline is staffed by trained counselors from a network of crisis call centers located across the United States, all of whom provide:

    • Crisis counseling for those who are in emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster
    • Information on how to recognize distress and its effects on individuals and families
    • Tips for healthy coping
    • Disaster-specific resources and referral information.