27 June 2012

As the Waldo Canyon Fire continues to threaten Colorado Springs, The Salvation Army is assessing the needs of the new evacuees and The Salvation Army's ability to respond to those needs. In order to better assist those evacuated to local shelter sites, The Salvation Army is bringing additional Emergency Disaster teams from throughout the Western Territory. Major Steve Svenson, Corps Officer in Kalispell (MT),  has been deployed to serve as an Incident Commander, and experienced emergency professional Mike Maroni (Bremeton, WA) will join the food and logistics support team. 

In Colorado Springs, The Salvation Army is currently running all feeding operations at YMCA Southeast Family Center Shelter and Cheyenne Mountain High School Shelter. The Salvation Army's local units are providing for survivors' immediate needs, such as food, water, and comfort.

The Salvation Army is on site at the following shelters:

• YMCA on Jetwing in Colorado Springs
• Cripple Creek High School in Cripple Creek
• Lewis Palmer High School in Monument

In addition, The Salvation Army is also providing the following:

• Meal service for the shelter operation in Divide, when needed
• Three meals a day for 1,000 fire fighters and Hot Shot teams at Station 9, near Garden of the Gods
• Lunch and dinner for 300 at the El Paso County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
• Beginning Saturday, June 30, snacks, water and Gatorade for fire fighters on the fire lines
• Snack and drink service for the families that are being allowed back into their homes

An appeal is being made for financial assistance to fund the relief work in Colorado. Those who wish to support The Salvation Army's disaster response may do so by sending a check earmarked "Disaster Relief or Wild Fires" to their local Salvation Army office, or by donating online here, or by making a credit card donation at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

For the latest information about The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services, visit the blog here.