Several local organizations are rallying to help the victims of a devastating wildfire in Yarnell, Ariz.
19 firefighters died, including two from Riverside County. They were members of the elite Granite Mountain Hotshots firefighting team. The cause of their deaths is under investigation.
The fire has destroyed more than 200 buildings in Yarnell, a town of about 700 people northwest of Phoenix.
Locally, the Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties is sending three disaster workers to Yarnell. They will set up shelters for hundreds of evacuees and provide food, water and counseling, according to the Red Cross.
Meanwhile, the San Diego-based charity FirefighterAid is raising money for the families of the firefighters killed.
“Here in San Diego we stand with the families of the fallen and pray for their comfort and peace,” San Diego Fire Captain George Duardo said in a statement.
To donate to FirefighterAid, click here.
Local
The Red Cross is collecting money for the residents of Yarnell and people affected by other wildfires. Go to redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to make a contribution.
