BOISE, Idaho — As wildfires continue devastating eastern Oregon, people near and far are stepping up to ensure firefighters have what they need — whether that is supply bags or money for fuel.
"To see people giving everything that they have just to support our firefighters is insane," said Charlotte New, Ontario Fire and Rescue admin assistant.
Firefighters are busy fighting several wildfires, including the Durkee Fire, which is the largest wildfire in the U.S. at more than 280,000 acres.
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On Sunday, New thought of a way for Idaho and Oregon communities to help. She is working with the American Red Cross and fire departments to collect and distribute supplies to firefighters, including snacks and personal hygiene products.
New said the Red Cross initially gathered enough bags to make 400. Community members delivered, donating enough to make more than 1,000.
However, she said the work is not done.
"One of the biggest needs that has been brought to my attention is the local RFPAs, so the rural associations," New said.
Those are volunteer firefighters, doing everything off their own backs. Amanda Bunch's husband, who is on the frontline battling the flames, is part of the Burnt River RFPA.
"All these local volunteer ranchers are paying for everything out of their own pocket," she said. "It's protecting their home, their livelihoods, their family heritage, that's why they do it."
Bunch set up a GoFundMe to help the RFPA members pay for fuel and equipment repairs. She originally set out to raise $10,000 but raised it to $25,000 after seeing the community response.
"I don't even know what our fuel bill is going to actually be," she said. "I am just thankful for our guy's hard work and their efforts. It's not gone unnoticed, and I just pray that this fire can stop."
If you want to help RFPA firefighters, donate to the GoFundMe or contact the Vale Community Coalition.
You can also donate supplies for another week. Drop-off locations include Ontario Fire and Rescue, Four Rivers Cultural Center in Ontario, Kuna Fire Station and Nyssa Fire Department.
New said they are still looking for:
- Hydration packets (for example, Liquid IV)
- Individual packs of nuts, jerky, trail mix (without chocolate)
- Hygiene products (body wipes, body powder, deodorant, mole skin, band-aids)
"You see people...they're not hopeless," she said. "They're helping, so it's been really powerful."