Organizations look to help firefighters left homeless by Valley Fire
While firefighters fought bravely against the Valley Fire last month, many were just finding out that their own homes had been reduced to ashes.
Firefighter Andrew Welter of the South Lake County Fire Prevention District, was one of 33 firefighters in Northern California to lose their home.
Welter had been battling the Butte County fire when his engine was dispatched back to Hidden Valley, to try and save an apartment building.
It was the building where he lived.
"I was stoked. I have a chance to save my place and my neighbors. We can do this," said Welter.
But quickly it became obvious he said there was nothing he could do to save it.
"We did everything we could. We used every technique we'd been taught. We fought our hearts out. And i just watched my place burn down," said Welter.
But he still had a job to do. He went on to the next neighborhood.
"I need to save my hometown. I grew up here," he said.
But some help is coming to those firefighters who lost so much
The organization Oakland Firefighters Random Acts and the Fire Family Foundation are raising money to help. They donated $30,000 that will buy some of what the firefighters need, and they hope more money will start rolling in.
"The emergency responders have a tremendous emergency right now. This is a crisis for 33 firefighters who have nothing now," said Larry Hendricks, who heads Oakland Firefighters Random Acts
Fire Captain Luke Joreanstad showed ktvu part of his firefighter’s badge. It was all that remained at his home.
His fire engine rode past his home as flames devoured it. The engine went to his neighbor’s house.
"It is my home. But i am the captain and my concern was what houses can we save at this point," said Joreanstad.
The firefighters all say they are used to providing help, not receiving it. But they admit they need it to help get back on their feet.
Parties interested in making a donation to the cause can visit either the Oakland Firefighters Random Acts website or FireFamilyFoundation.org.