The Kincade Fire has been raging since October 23, 2019, and has burned more than 78,000 acres. More than 300 buildings were destroyed and 180,000 people were evacuated from their homes. First responders have been working tirelessly to stop the fire and have almost succeeded in containing it.
The Alliance family has done their part in helping this effort. Over the past week, 367 firefighters have made Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds (ARCG) their temporary home. Amid the stress and fatigue of fighting the largest blaze in California right now, these first responders find a needed reprieve at ARCG.
“I have heard over and over from the firefighters how beautiful it is,” says Caitlin Bishop, executive assistant at ARCG. “Their faces as they walked up were filled with relief and joy. They got to experience a retreat for a brief period of time amidst the chaos they were facing. We supplied toiletries, pillows, linens, basketballs, volleyballs, a TV to watch the game, etc. They were able to relax, use WiFi to connect with family back home via video calls, and eat warm meals.”
“We are grateful that God has preserved Alliance Redwoods and the fire has not threatened our camp,” Jim Blake, camp director, says. “This is an answer to prayer. Please keep us in your thoughts—for our safety and for the safety of our first responders and neighbors, for the preservation of our beautiful Sonoma County, and for the continued opportunity to serve more than 50,000 guests a year.”
CAMA has given the camp $25,000 to help cover the finances they lost in the past week. Please contact Caitlin Bishop at [email protected] to support the care ARCG is providing to these firefighters.