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Airport Fire Response

  • Rachel Bonilla
  • Nov 22, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 3

Friday, November 22, 2024

Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino truck driver delivering food and water truckload to fire evacuees at Lake Community Center.

Photo Credits: FARSB


With numerous fires in Southern California, several areas in the Inland Empire have been affected by evacuation orders. Lake Elsinore was hit with emergency evacuations when the Airport Fire worsened and residents had to shelter at the Lake Community Center, where FARSB was able to respond to the need.


With emergency boxes of food and a donation of water bottles, the food bank was able to step in at a time when the community needed immediate help. Though disaster benefits are available, they take time to receive. Food banks like FARSB are able to take charge right away to get food and water to those who need it.


Airport Fire Damage

The damage done from the fires is extensive, and although not widespread, the homes and structures that were damaged or destroyed pose issues for the entire area in regards to necessary construction, road closures, and traffic problems due to them. This often means that the residents are inconvenienced in more ways than one.

Orange box with text that reads, "The Airport Fire started on September 9th, 2024 and was fully contained on October 5th, 2024. The fire was officially active and burning for 26 days in total." Light green box with text that reads, "There were 22 total injuries due to the Airport Fire destruction with both Fire Personnel and Civilian injuries being counted together." Purple box with text that reads, "There were a total of 160 structures destroyed, which includes Residential, Commercial, and Others. There were an additional 34 structures that sustained substantial damage."

There were multiple injuries, damaged and destroyed structures, and 26 days of fire for the region, that impacts residents greatly. For those who must evacuate, they don't have the opportunity to save anything personal or sentimental to them, let alone get to enjoy the comforts of home.


Many folks also still have to work their full-time jobs during the days, only to have to report back to their evacuation site for the nights and weekends. This is disruptive to those who don't have any significant losses. For those who lose their homes or loved ones, this can have lifelong effects.


FARSB Delivers

Evacuees of the Airport Fire were sent to the Lake Community Center for shelter as the fire came close to their homes. This is a frightening time for all those involved, so keeping them well-nourished and able to stay healthy offers a small gesture of hope for those keeping faith that the fires will soon be contained.


Our truck driver, Pedro, was the one to make the delivery to the evacuees. This truckload of food boxes and water bottles was essential for those sheltered there and was provided thanks to our wonderful volunteers who helped sort food items and pack the boxes.


Emergency D-SNAP/Disaster CalFresh

For folks affected by the fires and evacuation orders, some benefits allow for emergency D-SNAP (Disaster-Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), or Disaster CalFresh in California, benefits for those who wouldn't have normally qualified. Even for those who have higher incomes and would be well over the income threshold, for emergency responses to disasters, benefits may apply to those affected.


D-SNAP allows for residents in a presidentially-declared disaster zone to apply and receive benefits that will allow for the purchase of food to help those affected by natural disasters. There are eligibility requirements for these benefits, and individuals must have worked or lived in the disaster area at the time of the incident.

Orange box with text that reads," There are D-SNAP or Disaster CalFresh benefits available for those affected by the fires and who had to evacuate their homes under government orders. These are given to those with all income levels due to the qualifying event." Light green box with text that reads, "D-SNAP benefits can be received if you have a loss of income, incur costly expenses, need to evacuate or relocate for safety, or have a personal injury due to the natural disaster. These are in addition to any SNAP received regularly." Purple box with text that reads, "There is a formal application process in order to receive benefits. Local SNAP offices are available for those in each state so check with your local branch to see how to apply."

Wrap-Up

FARSB aims to provide food to sustain our population at all times, but during a natural disaster or fire, they bolt into action. Taking care of those in affected areas to help sustain their health and wellness, while tackling the compounding issues of food insecurity, while rebuilding after a disaster is necessary to help our community thrive no matter the circumstances.


Support our efforts year-round by visiting FeedingIE.org/Donate







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