Oak Fire Recovery Story 

November 21, 2022 - You have probably already learned about or witnessed first-hand the devastation caused by the Oak Fire. But by now, you may be wondering: what progress is being made? If I donated money, where has it been directed? What else can I do to help?

To address these important questions, the Fire Case Managers will be giving a regular update on the recovery process from the Oak Fire. We hope that this column will keep the community informed on the progress that is being made, how money and other donations are being utilized, and explain further needs for fundraising.

With funding received in partnership with Mariposa County Health and Human Services, the Alliance for Community Transformations hired 11 Fire Case Managers and Miwumati hired 1 in mid-August 2022. These staff members support 214 individuals and families impacted by the Oak Fire. Fire Case Managers work with each case individually to identify needs and find ways to meet those needs given the options available. Additionally, Mariposa County Health and Human Services Agency is providing fire case management to a handful of fire survivors.

One major way that the Fire Case Managers have been supporting survivors is coordinating with Mariposa County and contracted companies (Tetra Tech and BOP, a combined effort of three debris removal specialists) to take on the big task of cleaning up the remnants of the fire on affected properties.

At the time of writing, debris removal has been completed at 77 out of 134 properties. The entire clean-up process includes toxic substances removal; asbestos assessment and abatement; removing all remains of structures, outbuildings, and vehicles; soil sampling; re-scraping if needed; tree operations; erosion control; and a final sign off indicating that the property is ready for rebuilding or setting up temporary housing. This has been a tremendous amount of work for the clean-up crews, and has involved continuous coordination with property owners.

For many who have lost their homes it has been a relief to see the clean-up progress, but also difficult to adjust to everything being gone. Comments from property owners and residents about the teams doing the clean-up have been overwhelmingly positive. There has been an outpouring of gratitude for the crews’ professionalism and compassion; they are doing a job that is strenuous labor, but also involves being understanding and empathetic to what the survivors have experienced.

Recovering after the Oak Fire is, not surprisingly, very costly. There are several organizations in the community helping to raise money to support recovery efforts. The money that has been generously donated to Oak Fire Survivors will allow these organizations to help 20% of all that were impacted. The approach with directing funding is to support those with the greatest need.

Additionally, $130,000 in gift cards were donated and used for food, clothing, gasoline, and other supplies. These gift cards have been distributed on an as-needed basis and have helped the survivors replace some of their immediate necessities.

A final, very significant expense that has been taken care of: 22 trailers were transferred from City and County governments across California to Mariposa County Health and Human Services. These will provide a temporary housing option to survivors. Mariposa County HHS is in the process of procuring 4 more trailers to help additional families. We send a special thank you to the County of San Diego, the City of Antioch, and the County of Santa Clara for these trailers.

Some of the titles to these trailers have already been transferred to their new owners at no cost. Soon, people whose homes were destroyed and had nowhere else to go will have a place to live while they rebuild or figure out their next steps.

Though a lot of progress has been made over the last 3 months, there are still further needs for money and donations. Currently, funding is being prioritized for those with the highest need.  Additional funds raised would go towards helping people to repair their wells, septic, and electricity so that they can start to rebuild their homes.

We have seen so much generosity and support from the community, and yet more donations are still necessary. Information about where and how to donate can be found at https://givebutter.com/Oakfire and https://www.mariposacommunity.foundation.

Checks can be mailed to the Alliance for Community Transformations: PO Box 2075, Mariposa, CA 95338 and the Mariposa Community Foundation:  PO Box 5008-229, Mariposa, CA 95338.

Supporting people through this disaster has been a huge challenge, but we have seen the impressiveness of the survivors’ resiliency, and the devotion of others in the community to love and care for those who have experienced such a big loss.

Please continue to support those who have been affected by the Oak Fire. We want Mariposa to continue to be a special place to live for the fire survivors and everyone.

Source: Alliance for Community Transformations

Oak Fire in Mariposa County from the PG&E Mount Bullion Live Camera on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 12:35 P.M.