Camp Pendleton Marines Aid in California Wildfire Relief

Courtesy Photo | Marine Cpl. Arron D. Crawford, 25, unloads water at the Paige Fieldhouse at Camp Pendleton, Oct. 22. He and his fellow Marines were there to set up a humanitarian relief center for local refugees fleeing from the Southern California wildfires. The Marines also trucked in more than 288 cases of water, 600 pillows, 1200 sheets, 600 blankets, 264 individual water bottles, 300 Meals Ready-to-Eat and 488 cots for the people who came from the Fallbrook area. The chow hall is also open to provide free meals to the refugees. Marines are currently continuing their effort to aid the locals through the wildfire crisis.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

10.23.2007

Story by Gunnery Sgt. Jason Bortz 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Marines joined disaster-relief efforts for California wildfires Monday night by supplying food, water and hundreds of cots to residents on the base and in surrounding communities.

Wildfires have destroyed much of southern California, forcing mass evacuations and burning hundreds of homes. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency for seven counties including San Diego County, Monday.

Camp Pendleton has allowed 20,000-23,000 civilian vehicles to travel through to the greater San Diego area, said Col. J.B. Seaton III, commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

"We feared what we would have to face," said Abby Deloach, a Fallbrook resident who sought refuge with her husband. "We guessed there would be something here. Even if we had to sleep in our car we would feel safer (on base) anyway."

Within two hours of notification, Marines stocked the field house with food, water and beds.

Camp Pendleton's Paige Field House was used to house the evacuees looking for shelter.

The field house will shelter and supply people in need for as long as the resources are needed, said Kerri Latimore, manager of Paige Field House.

The Paige Field House was on standby, waiting for the call telling them their facility would soon become an evacuation center.

"We need to take a bigger part in the community," said Sgt. Fernando J. Urena, 27, from Los Angeles. "It makes me glad that Marines rose to the occasion."

Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton has also offered its resources for refueling civilian and government aircraft. Marine Corps Air Station Miramar remains on standby to assist with firefighting efforts.

The Marine Corps is not only looking after displaced civilians, but also service members who need assistance.

"The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society is offering financial assistance for any military service member who has been evacuated and might need money for food or gas," said Roxanne Clouse, the deputy director of the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society. The NMCRS can be reached at [phone].

For further aid, the American Red Cross can be contacted at [phone].
Camp Pendleton's fire hotline can be contact at [phone].

• Date Taken: 10.23.2007
• Date Posted: 10.23.2007 17:27
• Story ID: 13254
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US