Those early efforts proved to be wisely invested. The Blue Cut Fire quickly consumed over 36,000 acres including an estimated 105 homes and 216 outbuildings. It has since been contained and the evacuations lifted; however, the work continues for Catholic Charities and other organizations to help our neighbors whose lives have been affected by the devastating wild fire.
“Catholic Charities is one of many local response agencies equipped with the expertise to quickly respond to the urgent and pressing needs of residents when faced with a natural disaster,” said Ken F. Sawa, CEO of Catholic Charities San Bernardino-Riverside. “Our staff is trained to assess short and long terms needs, advocate for affected families, and seek solutions to the myriad unique challenges every disaster inevitably presents.”
The most direct impact of the Blue Cut Fire on Catholic parish communities was felt at Our Lady of the Snows in Wrightwood. The parish was evacuated and the Blessed Sacrament, parish records and statues were removed as a precautionary measure. The High Desert parishes of St. Junipero Serra, Phelan and Holy Family, Hesperia stepped forward to receive fire victims and provide pastoral care to them. Priests, deacons and lay ministers were present to console and pray with fire victims at evacuation sites in Fontana, Hesperia and Victorville.
Father Julius Bancifra, Administrator of Holy Family, spent three days ministering to victims, volunteers and first responders at evacuation sites and command centers. He prayed with a Phelan couple in fear of losing their home to the fire, and moments later with the men and women charged with extinguishing it. He also delivered supplies such as water, ice and air masks to those involved in the rescue effort. Fr. Bancifra said he was inspired by the number of people who came forward to help, including many of his own parishioners.
“It was a miracle of volunteers,” he said. “In times of disaster, people are there to help.”
Catholic Charities staff and volunteers set up a table at the emergency shelter located at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville. They listened to residents recount stories of having to leave in such a hurry that there was not enough time to gather belongings. One woman was at the grocery store when it became apparent there was no way for her to return home. She ended up at the shelter without her purse or change of clothes. Catholic Charities placed two dozen families in local motels. It also provided more than 50 families with Walmart gift cards for clothing and basic needs, Food-4 -Less gift cards, and Shell gas cards to help in the immediate aftermath of the fire.
Once the evacuations were lifted, Catholic Charities was present at a disaster workshop held in Phelan to continue helping families needing short term and long term recovery services. One particular concern heard by staff and volunteers from many of the families was a need for the ongoing care of their pets and livestock. There is a clear and pressing need for pet food for dogs and cats as well as feed for horses, goats, chickens, and other animals. Catholic Charities is working with local feed stores to help some families care for their pets and animals.
Catholic Charities will continue to work in partnership with the Red Cross, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, Inland Empire United Way, San Bernardino County and the Diocese. Staff and volunteers are actively seeking other necessities and resources to enable families to get reestablished into alternate housing. However, recovery will take many more months. The fire’s ominous glow that was first seen on the mountain ridge has faded, but Catholic Charities and its partners will continue to work with the victims of this fire to rebuild their lives.
If you would like to support Catholic Charities efforts to help Blue Cut Fire victims please contact Beverly Earl at (909) 388-1239, ext. 308. In addition, Bishop Gerald Barnes has called for a special collection in parishes the weekend of Sept. 17-18 to aid victims of recent natural disasters, including the Blue Cut Fire.