DFA Monitoring Fast-Spreading Wildfire in Northern California

29 July 2018 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is closely monitoring a fast spreading wildfire in Northern California that has already destroyed hundreds of structures and forced the evacuation of thousands.

The DFA said the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco is also checking on the situation of members of the Filipino Community in Redding, California, and surrounding areas to determine if any of them has been affected by the so-called Carr Fire and may be in need of assistance.

Consul General Henry Bensurto said the Consulate General has so far not received any request for assistance from any member of the Filipino Community.

He said there are about 227 Filipinos in the city of Redding, which is being threatened by the fire that has already burned more than 85,000 acres and destroyed 500 structures.

Consul General Bensurto said the fire has forced the evacuations of some 38,000 people in neighborhoods on the west side of Redding. Mandatory evacuations were also ordered in areas southwest of the city.

He said five persons have been reported injured and 12 others are listed missing.

The Consulate General continues to monitor developments and is in touch with authorities for updates on the Carr wildfire and notification on foreign nationals affected by the fire. END