Butte County launches Fire Survivor Resource Line in wake of devastating fires

BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. — Due to the devastating impact of multiple fires, including the recent major Thompson Fire, Butte County Department of Employment and Social Services has launched a Fire Survivor Resource Line to provide assistance and support to those affected.

“For residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed by fires, navigating how to begin the recovery process can be extremely overwhelming. Because there won’t be any state of federal financial assistance due to the small number of destroyed homes, our goal is to offer support by connecting individuals with essential resources," said Kristi Olio, Public Information Officer in Butte County.

The Resource Line offers a variety of resources such as housing assistance (temporary and long term), financial aid (available support and application assistance), basic necessities (food, clothing, etc.), emotional support (counseling and mental health services), and guidance to help individuals rebuild and recover (help obtaining important paperwork, rebuilding homes, insurance, etc.). The line is also available for those living in unincorporated parts of the county who have experienced wildfires.

“Anybody whose home was impacted by a fire, whether their house was totally destroyed or just partially damaged, they may need immediate housing assistance, help replacing important documents, as well as just connecting with to resources like Red Cross who offer a plethora of services," explained Olio.

The recent Junes, Apache, and Thompson fires in rural Butte County have resulted in the destruction of just over 40 structures, leaving some survivors with nothing but ashes to return to.

The scorching temperatures are increasing the county's susceptibility to fires. The hotline is now more crucial than ever, providing essential assistance to those in need.

In response to the Thompson Fire, the American Red Cross collaborated with the county to swiftly set up evacuation shelters, providing crucial support to those displaced by the fire.

“Because of changes in the climate, natural disasters like this happen more and more across the country, so the quicker we can open the doors to a shelter with our partners and get people to a place of safety that’s really what it’s all about," said Steve Walsh, Regional Communications and Marketing Director for the American Red Cross.

As survivors return to their homes, the resource line is available seven days a week, providing support and resilience.

“Providing a resource like this is crucial after all of the recent fires in the county because it helps affected residents access vital support quickly and efficiently," Olio concluded.

To access resources, the Fire Survivor Resource Line can be reached at (530) 552-6262. Assistance is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be offered until no longer needed in Butte County, beginning on July 6.