Residents receive help following Courtney Fire
MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Madera County Sheriff's Office has identified a suspect who started the Courtney Fire, but it is still under investigation.
Meanwhile, Courtney Fire victims are starting from the ground up with the help of Oakhurst community members.
The fire that started Sunday destroyed 30 homes, 320 acres and damaged several other structures. It's 80 percent contained, and power has been restored to everyone except for those without homes.
In Oakhurst one thing's for certain: this community is tight knit. Take for instance local- owned True Value. They gave away nearly $10,000 worth of cleaning and pet supplies to Courtney Fire victims.
"We'll be going up there Saturday to see what else needs to be cleaned and what other products that they need to help clean up," said Denise Bryant, a volunteer.
They are one of a dozen organizations helping victims navigate the rebuilding process of this tragedy. There's even help for people like Taylor Brown who had minimal damage compared to others.
"All my food went bad so I was able to grab a little bit of food, and I got a gift card so I can refill my fridge; Raley's was nice enough for that," said Brown.
Local vacation rental companies are offering furnished homes at little to no cost for the victims -- one of the more emotional tasks of the week.
"It's probably been the hardest thing that I've seen hit people when they look for a home. They're in a very stunned, oh my gosh this really happened to us state right now," said Kathy Thomas with 21st Century Realty.
But with tools in hand, families like the Martins are moving forward, finding what they can and starting over.
"It's sad that it's gone, it's been there for so long, but it's all replaceable; you can buy anything, you just can't buy somebody's life," said Larry Martin.
The sheriff's office is asking those impacted by the fire -- no matter what the extent of the damage to their property -- to fill out a survey so they can assess the full extent of the damage and find assistance programs and grant dollars.
VIDEO: Donations, volunteers needed following Courtney Fire
With so much damage and destruction, there's a lot of work ahead for the victims of the Courtney Fire. Officials say there is a need for donations and volunteers.
Days after the Courtney Fire, displaced residents said goodbye to their shelter at the Oakhurst Community Center and were overwhelmed by the way the community stepped in to meet their needs.
"It's unbelievable, it's so heartwarming. This whole community has come together to help us," said Ida Hunter, a Bass Lake Heights resident.
Local businesses have been donating food to emergency responders and displaced residents.
At a resource fair, True Value gave dog food and cleaning supplies away for free. The Central California Animal Disaster Team and Red Cross have also helped displaced residents and their pets.
"The Red Cross has been here since the start, providing meals, helping dozens of residents, serving hundreds of meals, and there's a great need for the financial donations to offset those costs," said Jessica Piferro with the American Red Cross.
The Red Cross says people can donate online or at the Fresno office. There's also a need for manual labor during a cleanup day Saturday.
"Organizations, other churches, charities, groups like that, businesses, can come in and help these families clean up their homes, and literally pick up the pieces and sift through the ashes and find what's left of their belongings," said Piferro.
Nearby business Miller's Landing Resort also wants to help. A fireworks show originally planned for Friday evening will now be a night devoted to the fire victims.
"We will be hosting a tri-tip dinner for those that have lost their homes and also for the community to come and donate to help out those families," said Michelle Miller with Miller's Landing Resort.
A $20 gift card donation will get people a meal. The donations will go directly to Courtney Fire victims.
So whether it's volunteering your time or donating, residents affected by this fire say they're grateful for the support as they begin the road to rebuild.
Donations:
Red Cross www.redcross.org/ca/fresno
American Red Cross Central Valley
1300 W. Shaw Ave., #4B
Fresno , CA 93711
Phone: (559) 455-1000
Volunteer:
Courtney Fire Cleanup
Saturday, Oakhurst Community Center
Call the Red Cross at (559) 455-1000
Miller's Landing Resort, Bass Lake
Friday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
A tri-tip BBQ for the families that have been affected by the fire, and also collecting gift cards (Target, Wal Mart, Raley's, Vons, gas cards, etc.) for them. If you would like to help please bring a $20 gift card to donate and receive a free Tri-Tip dinner as a thank you. All proceeds will go directly to the families.
