• Laine Hendricks

The Salvation Army Responds to Round Fire in Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains

Swall Meadows, CA (February 11, 2015):  The Salvation Army is providing support to fire crews and communities affected by the recent Round Fire, which burned more than 7,000 acres and affected two communities within Mono County.Currently, a Salvation Army Canteen (mobile kitchen) and volunteers have been deployed to Swall Meadows, CA, and is providing more than 60 meals a day, plus snacks and drinks to both firefighting teams, clean-up crews and survivors returning to the burn site. In addition, Salvation Army volunteers are providing emotional care as residents and neighbors adjusting to the devastation in their community. 

In addition, The Salvation Army is on site at the Tri County Fairgrounds, offering supplies, toiletries, clothing, bedding, referrals, limited financial assistance and access to emergency shelter.  Most importantly, Salvation Army officers are available to provide emotional and spiritual support, a cup of coffee and someone to talk to for those survivors who are still traumatized after losing their homes.

The Round Fire, which started Friday, February 6, destroyed 40 homes and injured 4 individuals. As the communities of Swall Meadows and Paradise were evacuated, The Salvation Army Bishop Corps immediately opened its location as a temporary shelter and assistance center.  Since then, The Salvation Army has been working closely with the Red Cross, Mono County Social Services, The Bishop Chamber of Commerce, The Clampers and Tri-County Fairgrounds to provide supportive services to the Swall Meadow and Paradise communities.

Photos of Salvation Army Response: http://bit.ly/1AoMtWf

How The Public Can Help:
The best way to help fire survivors and rescue workers is to make a financial contribution. Monetary donations allow The Salvation Army to help the families affected by the fire as well as keep our Canteen stocked with supplies. There are a variety of ways public can support The Salvation Army’s Round Fire disaster relief efforts:

Phone: Call 1-760-872-2124

Mail:  Designate "Round Fire” on check/money order, mail to:

The Salvation Army
P.O. Box 1104
Bishop, CA 93515

Donations of Goods:
The outpouring of support from the local community has been tremendous.  Currently, we are at capacity for donations of clothing, bedding, shoes, toiletries and other household goods.  However, donations of food, gift cards, and monetary donations are most needed right now.  Donations of in-kind items can be dropped off at 621 W. Line Street or the Patio Building at the Tri-County Fairgrounds.

Volunteering:
Anyone interested in volunteering to assist with relief efforts should call Robert at 760-872-2124.