By Sarah Maraschky | Communications Associate
The western United States has become increasingly warm and dry over the last several decades thanks to climate change. According to the Associated Press, a 22-year-long drought worsened in 2021 to the point that the region is now the driest it has been in the last 1,200 years. These hot, dry conditions–especially in the summer months–are unfortunately the perfect recipe for wildfires, and this season has been no different.
The largest wildfire this summer struck northern California in late July, killing four people, destroying much of the Klamath River community, and burning more than 55,000 acres of national forest. Rainfall following the fires causes flooding and debris flow from burned patches of land, making the damage even worse. Most recently in the last week of August, fires have sprung up in rural areas of the state, burning thousands of acres of land including scattered homes as well as widespread evacuations.
Peace Winds continues to collect donations for local chapters of our partner organization, the American Red Cross, who is active in the regions where wildfires are spreading and best equipped to provide aid including temporary shelter, food, water, and other basic necessities. Thank you for all the support you have given to this project so far, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with our donors and the Red Cross as wildfire season continues.
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