The devastating Caldor Fire has consumed around 200,000 acres and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents, and the recovery is far from over. The fast-moving blaze, along with toxic air quality and power outages, has prompted mandatory evacuations, forcing thousands of small businesses to close their doors in the process. Still, many have pivoted yet again to provide support for the communities that they call home. Countless resources for evacuees have sprung up to help displaced people, and local charities have also stepped up to help during this crisis and are taking donations to aid fire victims and first responders.
Here’s our list of just a fraction of the great local organizations that are working to support their neighbors impacted by the fires. Whether you’re in need of assistance or looking for a place to donate, we hope this list points you in the right direction.
California
California Fire Foundation (Sacramento) – The California Fire Foundation’s Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program brings immediate, short-term relief to victims of fire and other natural disasters throughout California. Through this program, frontline firefighters in California provide SAVE gift cards to eligible victims of fire and natural disasters so they may purchase basic necessities such as food, clothing or medicine
El Dorado Community Foundation (Placerville) – The El Dorado Community Foundation’s Caldor Fire Fund provides $500 for food, temporary housing costs, medication and other basic needs. Check the foundation’s website lists for the required criteria.
Diocese of Sacramento Fire Assistance Fund (Sacramento) – Bishop Jaime Soto has asked the faithful of the Diocese of Sacramento to remember in their prayers all those affected, especially the firefighters and emergency personnel, as well as residents who have been displaced. All funds go directly toward supplementing shelter and supplies.
The Salvation Army (Statewide) – Teams from the Salvation Army are currently preparing and serving meals at at least two Caldor Fire shelters. The team is currently equipped to serve 270 meals per day to Caldor Fire evacuees. To support its work, the Salvation Army asks residents to donate to its wildfire relief fund.
El Dorado County Animal Shelter (South Lake Tahoe) – The El Dorado County Animal Shelter has taken in most of the pets from the Caldor Fire, and is in need of resources and supplies. The donation site continually updates with best practices for rehoming pets and shelter resources.
Nevada
Food Bank of Northern Nevada (Reno) – Providing meals and food supplies to displaced fire victims. Note: Some food pantries in the Lake Tahoe area remain temporarily closed at this time. Visit the Get Help section of the website to view local food pantry schedules for up-to-date information before visiting a pantry
American Red Cross of Northern Nevada (Reno) – The Red Cross is operating several shelters for fire evacuees and is requesting monetary donations rather than supplies. To donate, visit their site and specify which community or wildfire you’re seeking to help.
Greater Nevada Credit Union (Statewide) – Offering Disaster Assistance Loans designed to provide access to flexible, short-term funding after an unforeseen emergency and include waived origination and application fees, flexible repayment options and deferred interest rates. As leaders in our communities and GREATER partners of ours, we are sharing this news with you to be a resource for those in our communities in need.
Nevada Humane Society (Reno) – The Nevada Humane Society shelters are serving as donation drop-off centers, collecting much-needed pet food and supplies from the community for the pets of people who have been displaced by the Caldor and Dixie fires.
Additional resources
California Road Closures
Nevada Road Closure
Airbnb – The company offers free temporary housing to residents who are displaced during wildfires and other disasters, according to its website. To make a donation to cover the cost of a stay, visit and click “Donate now.”
Caldor Fire Facebook Resource Group – This group is connecting donors and those in need.
