November 9, 2018 – The Camp Fire in Butte County quickly grew from 1,000 acres Thursday morning, November 8th, to over 70,000 acres as of Friday morning, November 9th. The town of Paradise has been largely devastated by the Camp Fire within a 24 hour period.
Providing Mutual Aid
Nevada County departments have received mutual aid requests, and are providing assistance and resources as needed. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) sent eight deputies to assist with evacuations throughout the day on Thursday. NCSO is sending four deputies and Grass Valley Police Department is sending four officers to continue assisting with evacuations and scene security today. Nevada County Public Health is sending nurses to assist at shelters starting this evening, November 9th. Many other local agencies have sent mutual aid as well including Nevada County Consolidated Fire District, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, California Highway Patrol – Grass Valley, and others.
Donating to Camp Fire Victims
If residents would like to donate to victims of the Camp Fire, currently the best way to contribute is to make a monetary donation via the North Valley Community Foundation website. The Grass Valley Police Department is collecting donations of water, granola bars (or similar), baby wipes, diapers, and personal hygiene products at their office until 4:00 p.m. today, Friday, November 9th. The Hope Center in Oroville, located at 1950 Kitrick Avenue is taking donations of warm clothes, shoes, socks, coats (primarily for elderly residents). Their hours are Friday and Saturday 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.
Air Quality Advisories
Nevada County currently has an Air Quality Advisory in effect through Monday, November 12th, due to the smoke from the Camp Fire, as well as many neighboring counties too. Make sure to check local air quality reports, stay indoors if possible, keep windows and doors closed, and check on sensitive groups such as those with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases.