Onslow volunteer aids with Calif. wildfire relief

Aug. 02--An Onslow County woman traveled from the east coast to the west this week with one thing in mind: Helping those in need.

Charlotte Rodriguez with the American Red Cross flew into California on Wednesday to aid in relief from wildfires that are raging in the state. On Thursday, she said masks are being passed out since the smoke is still prevalent.

The fire in Redding, California started with a vehicle problem about 10 miles west of the city and, fueled by gusty winds and dry vegetation, it swept through the area, even jumping over the Sacramento River and into subdivisions, the Associated Press reported.

"It wasn't expected to travel that far that fast," California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesman Scott McLean told the AP.

Now, the AP reported, the fire is believed to be the ninth most destructive in California's history. As of Thursday, fire officials reported 1,000 homes have been destroyed by the fire and, just one month into the new budget year, the state has already expended more than 25 percent of their annual fire budget with totals reaching at least $125 million.

Rodriguez said she's part of an advanced public affairs team for the American Red Cross and, when disaster strikes, the organization sends whoever is available.

"When something happens we can deploy people and plug them in wherever they are," Rodriguez said.

She's now the spokesperson on the ground in California.

"It's pretty bad, but we see some light at the end of the tunnel," Rodriguez said.

The Red Cross has five shelters open and the number of people unable to go home -- some due to roads being closed off and power lines being down -- has been decreasing. In a news release Thursday the Red Cross wrote that the fire has burned more than 121,000 acres and is about 35 percent contained.

Rodriguez is working alongside approximately 50 other organizations at a local high school to help those in need, each of the organizations offering different assistance.

One of the ways people are being helped is with a tool Rodriguez was unfamiliar with until this week.

"People's houses have burned to the ground. Can you save anything from that? We kind of think so," Rodriguez said.

Using a box with a screen along the bottom, Rodriguez said people have sifted through the ashes of their homes and found wedding bands and china.

"They never thought that the fire would jump the lake and come up the mountain to get to their house ... people weren't ready," Rodriguez said. "People's memories are gone ... but there's a chance that something metal can be saved."

Working at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, Rodriguez said she knows first-hand how a devastating situation can bring out the best in others. Californians have seen how suddenly life can change, and some people coming into the shelter are looking for more than help with insurance papers or a bite to eat.

"Some people just need emotional support. They want to share their story," Rodriguez said. "Sometimes just a hug or just a pat on the back to let you know, 'Hey, we're with you."

Rodriguez said she'll likely be in California for eight days, but the Red Cross will stay and help "as long as we're needed."

Anyone looking to help the Red Cross' efforts in California -- for the fire near Redding and the other two fires that, in a combined total, have "charred more than 278,000 acres and destroyed more than 1,600 structures," according to the Red Cross -- can donate by visiting RedCross.org, texting REDCROSS to 90999, or calling 1-800-435-7669 and designate your donation to the California wildfire relief efforts.

City Editor Amanda Thames can be reached at 910-219-8467 or [email protected]

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