According to CNN and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, California has experienced its most deadly and destructive wildfires in the past two years. Longer drought periods, strong winds, and warmer temperatures have contributed to the increasing size and impact of these fires.
In 2019, more than 5,600+ fire incidents have burned 245,000+ acres in California. The Kincade Fire is 45% contained and has burned 76,825 acres – making this California’s biggest fire of the year.
In Southern California, firefighters are fighting the Getty Fire that has consumed over 745 acres on a hillside in West Los Angeles. A number of additional large fires are also tearing through the state, including the Tick Fire, Caples Fire, Oak Fire, and Palisades Fire.
In the past five years, CERF+ has provided more than 50 artists from California with close to $200,000 in emergency financial assistance and established a specific California Fund to help support these efforts.
Please help spread the word about this emergency relief program and recovery resources to artists you know who might be affected by these fires.
For more information, contact Cameron Baxter Lewis, Director of Emergency Relief and Recovery Services at (336) 213-2891 or cameron@craftemergency.org.
