Community Rallies to Help Bear Fire Evacuees

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Considering recent circumstances, a decision was made to rename the Camp Fire Distribution Center to Butte Wildfires Distribution Center (BWDC).

The center has been actively serving Camp Fire Survivors but has kicked into high gear with the advent of the Bear Fire. Evacuees seeking shelter at the temporary evacuation center established at the Gridley Fairgrounds, organized by Butte County in cooperation with the American Red Cross, have been subject to different operational protocols than Camp Fire evacuees. The temporary evacuation center goal is to connect evacuees with resources, longer term shelters and help them move on. It has not been accepting donations or allegedly allowing evacuees to camp in tents on the grounds.

According to Cindy Scott, who has been involved in relief efforts at the site, the new model of operations is not solely due to COVID19. She says, “It’s an effort to avoid the serious problems that developed with previous shelters: Norovirus, drug use, non-evacuees taking advantage, large piles of debris accumulating and so on.”

Those who have witnessed the treatment of Bear Fire victims, including the BWDC Director and Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce President, Lynne Spencer have bordered on outrage. Spencer shares that she has been barred from entering the center while attempting to assess and vet the needs of current evacuees. The alleged “no tent camping” policy has caused elderly and young people to sleep outside their vehicles packed with belongings in toxic air conditions. Spencer says, “It’s not right.”

Regardless of new protocols, community groups and members have rallied around the evacuees. The BWDC has put out a call for much needed donations and has created an Amazon Wishlist the public can reference and purchase the most requested donation items. Although donations are coming in, the center is still in desperate need of specific items, including diapers and pet food.

Sycamore Middle School students heard the call and teachers, Michelle Solis and Liz Ayon have helped their students organize donations of water, toiletries and more. They made the BWDC Amazon Wishlist available to parents on the Sycamore Facebook page, and Solis says that they circulated a “kid friendly” version for students. Students were asked to drop their donations off in front of Sycamore School on Tuesday afternoon. Ayon says the students were excited to come together in this effort and that “it was a great turnout – a lot of students showed up. It was great to see their faces!”

Spencer is encouraging others wishing to donate and evacuees needing access to the center to call her and schedule a time to meet to ensure that COVID19 precautions are observed and that those most in need are able to access the supplies. She says, “Right now our priority is the new fire victims” but assures that “I’m not gonna forget about our Camp Fire Survivors.”

Reportedly there were about 35-40 vehicles/groups still at the Gridley Temporary Evacuation Center Monday evening, but rumors of its closing began to circulate Tuesday. It appeared that evacuees had indeed vacated the Evacuation Centers premises that afternoon, but the sites closing could not be confirmed at that time by either Red Cross or Butte County. Spencer reaffirms that many are still in our area, either in hotels or parking lots and even camping on private property.

To donate online please visit https://tinyurl.com/y2gd6t33 or call Lynne Spencer directly at 530-870 0563. Spencer expressed the desire to publicly thank the Rotary Club, Lions International Club, Women of the Moose, GUSD Teachers, students, and the community for their generous donations.