October 24, 2007
More than 20 wildfires continue to burn and grow across southern
California, fueled by the strong and persistent Santa Ana winds and
drought conditions across most of the region. At this emergent stage in
this disaster, Lutheran Disaster Response and its affiliate agency,
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, are assessing the needs of
the affected communities. Lutheran Disaster Response coordinator Tempie
Beaman has been in near constant communication with local clergy as well
as representatives from the ELCA Pacifica and Southwest California
Synods and the LCMS Pacific Southwest District. Additionally, she has
coordinated a number of Lutheran chaplains to provide spiritual care to
evacuees at a number of shelters in the area.
Recent news reports state that nearly 1,500 homes have been completely
destroyed with the worst of the damage concentrated in San Diego County.
Perhaps more astoundingly, nearly one million people have been ordered
to evacuate their homes as fires continue to spread unpredictably. Some
of those evacuees are seeking temporary shelter at places like Qualcomm
Stadium, home of the NFL’s San Diego Chargers, as well as at schools,
churches, and homes of family and friends. With thanksgiving, it is
also being reported that the volunteers who have organized at local
shelters to help those displaced nearly outnumber the evacuees
themselves.
Bishop Murray Finck, ELCA Pacifica Synod, reports that a number of
clergy from the synod have been part of the evacuation orders as well as
countless members of Lutheran congregations. At this time, Bishop Finck
is not aware of any church structures that have been affected, but he
and his staff continue to monitor the news for information. Leaders
from the Southwest California Synod and Pacific Southwest District are
also reporting that no church structures have been reported as affected
at this time.
Contrary to some news reports that seem to be focused on the wealthy,
this disaster is likely to have an impact across economic classes.
Southern California, like other densely populated areas, is home to many
who are underprivileged, including a large population of undocumented
persons. While the full extent of this tragedy is yet to be seen, there
is likely to be a need for Lutheran Disaster Response to assist in the
long-term recovery process, and it will be our mission to seek out those
who may otherwise be overlooked or underserved.
Seven counties in total have been declared both federal and state
emergency areas, and emergency responders, namely fire crews from around
the state, continue to battle the fires, assist families in evacuating,
and care for any injured. The weather continues to be uncooperative
with wind gusts reaching near-hurricane speeds and dry, hot air
continuing to blow in from the desert. Cooler air and moisture are
expected to arrive towards the end of the week which will be a welcome
relief to residents wanting to return home and firefighters struggling
for containment.
At this time, we pray for the many communities in southern California
that continue to watch and wait for the fires to be contained. We pray
for the local, state, and federal officials who are aiding in the early
response to this tragedy. And we pray for the hundreds of thousands who
are displaced from their homes and feeling uncertainty about what
exactly the future holds. For information on how you can give in
support of the response to the wildfires, please visit
www.ldr.org/donate.
Lutheran Disaster Response
Bringing Help and Hope...
Phone: 773-380-2748
Fax: 773-380-2493
Visit us on the Web at www.ldr.org
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