John Laird on the Big Sur Fire - And How You Can Help

Posted July 2nd, 2008 by robert

For residents in Big Sur, this is a trying time. Fire fighters are trying their best to save structures and have excelled at saving lives. Nevertheless, nature is calling the shots right now. Big Sur residents are used to helping each other. All the same, they can use extra help sometimes.

Here is the best website for very current info about the fires and their progress:

http://xasauantoday.wordpress.com/ (then click on Fire News)

This is the community's website organizing help and volunteers, matching them with people needing the same:

http://www.surfire2008.org/

How you can help:

It's becoming apparent that one thing we can do from here is to deliver flattened cardboard boxes of sizes suitable for packing household items. Residents are especially looking for used boxes from movers, but also strong, clean, flattened cardboard boxes of any size will be useful. They can be dropped off at Carmel Middle School at the Red Cross Center there and will be delivered south from there.

John Laird has issued a statement on the fires:

"Governor Schwarzenegger’s visit to Big Sur today is a significant indicator of the impact the Basin Complex fire is having on the people of the Central Coast and California. The people and businesses of the Big Sur community have shown courage, resourcefulness and generosity as this difficult fire has unfolded.

Today and in the weeks ahead, as I continue to work hard on the budget in Sacramento, I will stay focused on ensuring funds are available to fight this fire. And as we consider next year’s budget, I’ll continue to advocate for the funding increases for air attack resources, as approved by the Assembly Budget Committee.

In the meantime, I and my Monterey County District Office will work with residents to provide assistance in working with state agencies on fire-related issues."

Flickr photo from user rskoon available under a Creative Commons License