BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Devastation in California hits close to home for some Vermonters.
While Californians contend with tragedy face-on, folks thousands of miles away are reeling from afar.
Vermonters with connections to the Los Angeles area keep up through news updates and videos sent from those on the ground. They’re either grieving what’s lost or worrying that their people and places will be hit next.
South Burlington resident Jenny Mojica grew up in Pasadena and has family throughout LA County, like an aunt who is watching the Eaton fire creep closer.
“She had all of her bags packed. She was sleeping with her dogs on the couch, and she just said, ‘It’s eerily quiet, and people are coming to knock on your door if you have to leave and it’s just like a scary feeling and a scary time,’” said Mojica.
Mojica says her family hasn’t been evacuated yet and they’re keeping in constant contact over text.
The California fires have killed at least 25 people and destroyed over 12,000 structures with hundreds of thousands of people under evacuation orders. Now, over 400 Red Cross workers are supporting LA County with food, shelter, emotional support, and recovery.
Two volunteers are from Vermont.
David Allen of White River Junction has been there for over a week working behind the scenes to collect information about impacted residents to get them the help they need.
“We don’t solve all the problems. We have a limited role. But it’s a way that as a volunteer, I can make a difference,” said Allen.
Forest rangers from the Empire State are also heading west to offer aid.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a team of 10 will go to California and be on-site for two weeks helping to battle the fires that have already burned more than 40,000 acres.
There are over 750 evacuees in Red Cross shelters recovering and working out the next steps.
Red Cross says you can help their efforts in California by donating money or donating blood to make up for canceled blood drives due to the disaster.
