The season of wildfires is continually becoming regular for individuals living in the Sierra Pacific Synod. Beginning in July of 2021, wildfires began sweeping through parts of Northern California and Nevada, displacing individuals from their homes and businesses by the day.

Currently, the Dixie Fire is active in Butte County, Lassen County, Plumas County and Tehama County, impacting four of their synod's congregations tremendously. As of August 11th, the Dixie Fire is the largest single wildfire in California history and has burned over 500,000 acres with only 30% contained.

Over 1,110 homes have been lost to date. There are four ELCA congregations in the area of the Dixie Fire who are providing support for those who have lost homes, evacuees, those affected by ash and smoke in the air and experiencing mental and spiritual anguish of the fire and the ongoing pandemic. 

The Sierra Pacific Synod is collecting funds and working in partnership with Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Social Services of Northern California to provide immediate relief for those affected by the Dixie Fire and other fires expected to affect California and Nevada this season. Your contributions will go to emergency relief support for congregations and members impacted by the wildfires. We invite you to make a donation here: https://tinyurl.com/SPSfiresupport

• An overview of the fire can be found in this Time Magazine article.

• Up-to-date information from Cal Fire can be found here.