Fire Impact Report – Rising Together
In the midst of a global pandemic came one of the most damaging wildfire seasons in California history. Monterey County was hit with three simultaneous blazes in August 2020. The River Fire began burning August 16, 2020 and the Carmel Fire and Dolan Fire followed two days later, causing the loss of more than 117 structures and thousands of evacuations.
Firefighters battled on multiple fronts and donors who had already given to COVID-19 responded once again to meet the new challenges.
Monterey County Fire Relief Fund
The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) created the Monterey County Fire Relief Fund in August 2020 to provide a trusted vehicle for people to help their neighbors.
The CFMC established the fund to assist communities affected by the three fires, and to facilitate giving for future fires. Donations supported both immediate relief and recovery efforts. The fund has no fee, so 100% of contributions go to Monterey County nonprofits to support services and recovery.”
People gave more than $1.4 million combined for relief and recovery for three funds: the Monterey County Fire Relief Fund, the Community Fund for Carmel Valley and the Big Sur Disaster Relief Fund. The latter two funds of the CFMC made grants to benefit their specific regions. These two Community Foundation for Monterey County funds were at the forefront of fire relief this past fire season.
This report features the work done to assist those who lost homes, needed immediate food and shelter or nonprofits affected by the fires. Learn more or donate to provide relief for future fires at cfmco.org/FireRelief.
