PRESS RELEASE
November 16, 2018
Contact:
Sarah Henry, Public Information Officer
510-747-4714
The Camp Fire in Butte County started Thursday, November 8, and we felt the impacts here in Alameda almost immediately. The air quickly reached unsafe for sensitive groups. The Camp Fire is now the most destructive and deadliest fire in California’s history, and today, the air continued to worsen and reached hazardous levels. When possible, stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and close fireplace dampers. When outside, avoid exertion, and consider wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator mask.
Today, the City of Alameda received a generous donation from Western Gravel & Roofing Supply and were able to provide masks to 4,760 residents at seven locations across the island. At the time of this release, we are out of masks. A new supply of N95 respirator masks will be available at all four fire stations and the main branch of the Alameda Library at 10 am Saturday morning. There is a maximum of 4 per family available, but with very limited supplies, please take only what you need.
The Alameda Library is offering extended hours from 9 am – 5 pm tomorrow, and has HEPA air filters. Stop by for a breath of filtered air, read a book, play a game, and enjoy a snack at the café.
The City is prioritizing residents who are homeless and residents who are at higher risk due to extended exposure or age. Daytime Drop-in Centers for people who are unsheltered will be available Saturday and Sunday.
Alameda Fire Department’s Engine 501 is assigned to body recovery in Butte County. Our OES Engine 296 is providing structure protection. Alameda's Water Tender 1 is providing spot fire water supply to a strike team in Ventura County. All crews are very active but doing well.
The Camp Fire is 45% contained, is burning 142,000 acres, and there are 5,596 fire personnel deployed. There are 63 confirmed deaths, hundreds missing, and 9,844 residences destroyed. The destruction is catastrophic. If you'd like to donate to the Red Cross to help fire victims, you can text the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or donate online at https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/. To continue to monitor the air quality in real-time, please visit: https://airnow.gov/.
We see time and again the compassionate and committed response our island makes when faced with a disaster. Today we are very thankful to everyone who is helping make our island safer.
