Local Volunteers to Help Colorado Fire Victims

More than 32,000 people have been evacuated including 2,100 at the U.S. Air Force Academy

Several San Diegans are headed to help in the Colorado wildfire response efforts.

The San Diego chapter of the American Red Cross deployed three volunteers  to help victims and those evacuated by the devastating fire.

The Waldo Fire in Colorado Springs intensified Tuesday night, covering more than 24,000 acres and claiming an entire neighborhood.

The threat increased dramatically as the blaze jumped the perimeter lines set up by firefighters in the hills overlooking the city.

Firefighters said they are triaging homes, tackling only those they feel can be realistically saved from the flames.

Mandatory evacuation orders were quickly issued for more than 32,000 people, including some 2,100 who live at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

San Diego's chapter will send Randy Fuhrman, Deborah Bernsen and Tom Simpson to help Red Cross volunteers that have already set up shelters and are providing food and comfort care kits to those displaced.

If you would like to help the response effort, you can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to San Diegoโ€™s American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

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