As of Wednesday morning, the Burro Fire burning in the foothills of Redington Pass has burned 23,238 acres.
Safeway and Albertson's across Arizona are now accepting donations to help residents displaced because of the Burro Fire.
The money raised will also help first responders.
A spokesperson for the stores says they have already raised $20,000 across the state.
The stories started collecting donations with the Goodwin fire, but have continued because of the extent of the Burro Fire.
Here are some ways to help fire crews battling the fire:
- Help keep firefighters safe by creating defensible space around your home. Creating defensible space around your home is absolutely the BEST thing you can do to help firefighters. Learn how at http://firewise.org.
- Post thank you banners/signs in the community and on social media. This is a great morale booster for firefighters after a long shift!
- Write thank you notes to firefighters. Drop them off at the incident command post so they can be posted or shared.
- Write thank you letters to firefighters families. Put them in blank, stamped envelopes. After briefings or after shifts, firefighters can address letters to parents, kids, spouses, etc.
Want to donate items? These items that cannot be accepted at fire camp:
- Clothing
- We have federal standards for personal protective gear for our wildland firefighters.
- Food Items including baked goods and sweets
- We are required to follow food safety regulations, and we have strict national guidelines for firefighter nutrition. Rest assured, they feed our fire crews three meals a day, including snacks.
- Please confirm needs by contacting the organization of your choice before donating physical items (food, water, etc.).
Financial contributions made to a recognized organization are the most effective way of helping them obtain goods and services locally and provide direct financial assistance to those in need.
Anyone want to help can consider a donation to:
- Local Fire Departments
- Firefighter support organization of your choice
- Wildland Firefighter Foundation
- 100 Club of Arizona
- American Red Cross
- Humane Society of Southern Arizona
