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DENVER (KDVR) The American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming has been assisting with efforts for the wildfires in Rio Blanco County and has even opened shelters for those impacted.
Two wildfires in the county, the Lee and Elk Fires, have burned more than 100,000 acres as of Saturday, resulting in pre-evacuations and evacuations in the area.
affiliate KDVR had the opportunity to speak with John Seward, a spokesperson with the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming, about the nonprofit organization’s efforts when it comes to the current wildfires burning in Colorado.
“We’re feeding first responders so that they can focus on fighting the fires, and we’re providing logistical support. We’ve opened two shelters, one in Craig, one in Rangley, for those who are unable to return home with their own closures constantly changing. Folks are, you know, getting trapped in different parts of the state, and we are also supporting folks there at our shelters, and we’ve begun damage assessment as well related to the fires,” said Seward.
The American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming opened the Red Cross shelters in the city of Craig and the town of Rangely this week for those needing a place to stay due to the wildfires.
The organization is providing a number of resources at the shelters, including sleeping accommodations, showers, food and health services.
“We had a gentleman the other day who needed a CPAP machine. His was at home. He couldn’t get home, so working through situations like that as we need to. As well as we have our mental health services staff available as well for folks who want to talk, feel a little stressed, and have those resources,” Seward said.
Seward said that neither shelter is pet-friendly; however, the organization is working with a humane society in the city of Craig and an animal shelter in the town of Rangely, which can take care of people’s pets overnight.
The shelters’ locations in the city of Craig and the town of Rangely are as follows:
- Moffat County High School at 900 Finley Lane
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 125 Eagle Crest Drive
Seward also noted that the shelters are open 24/7 for anyone needing assistance.
For more information on the Red Cross shelter, the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming has its website.
