Southern California residents are coming together to restore and heal what’s left of their communities
Some residents are proactively dealing with the threat of new fires, while others are working to restore what has been destroyed.
Southern California is once again experiencing extreme wind and fire weather this week. Some residents are actively dealing with the threat of new fires, while others are still recovering from the total loss. But they’re not doing it alone.
Bernie the Bernedoodle is part of the crisis response team. He traveled eight hours with humans from Tucson to Southern California to deliver aid to wildfire victims and first responders.
Barney and his handler traveled eight hours from Tucson to help the victims in Southern California. (Sunny Tsai/FOXBusiness)
“He’s done a great job of making people smile, especially when he’s under pressure and in less-than-perfect situations,” said Jim Watts, Bernie’s handler.
Locals focus on rebuilding communities destroyed by Southern California wildfires
Upon arrival, Barney had a busy schedule, including stops at ambulances and elementary school students.
“We went to the Pasadena Police Department twice and got roll call. We walked all over the 911 center, we walked all over the police station,” Watts said.
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Mr. Fox met with Mr. Bernie at FEMA’s disaster recovery center in Pasadena.
FEMA has two disaster recovery centers assisting wildfire victims in Southern California. (Sunny Tsai/FOXBusiness)
“FEMA may be able to assist those who are underinsured or uninsured. This applies to both homeowners and renters. FEMA may be able to assist with urgently needed funds.” “This could address an emergency need that people had when they had to leave their homes,” FEMA Public Affairs Specialist Kim Kevlish said.
FEMA also provides funding for temporary housing. While FEMA is providing funding, other four-legged friends are providing solace.
Angie holds someone’s hand at a disaster recovery center. (Sunny Tsai/FOXBusiness)
Angie comes to a disaster recovery center in Pasadena for several hours each day to help evacuees like herself.
Local residents step up to help front lines fighting Southern California wildfires
“I looked inside the house and saw a noise in my front mailbox that I hadn’t heard in 21 years, and then I heard a buzzing sound,” said John Gutierrez, Angie’s father. I could tell Angie was scared.”
After safely returning home, Angie and her humans realized that the community needed help.
“Some people cry and some people are just very, very grateful and it just brightens their day and brings a smile to their face, so I know it’s tough right now but I’m wondering if there’s anything anyone can do to help. I think that’s what we can do,”’ Gutierrez said.
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There are two disaster recovery centers assisting wildfire victims in Southern California. Open daily. FEMA is also advising those in need to visit its website to more quickly and easily apply for aid.
