The Mosquito Fire created the largest evacuation in Placer County history. Nearly 6,000 people faced up to eleven consecutive days of evacuation. Individuals, families and their many animals fled with little or no time to collect necessary belongings. Evacuees needed cash assistance for hotel and VRBO stays, and to pay for expenses such as food, clothing, gas and other personal living items.

Thanks to the overwhelming number of donations to our Mosquito Fire Fund, PCF partnered with Auburn Chamber of Commerce Foundation to hold two cash distribution events in Auburn. Nearly 350 households received as much as $550 each. Additional dollars are being distributed on a case-by-case basis to some 80 households through Lighthouse Counseling and Family Resource Center and Sierra Native Alliance. These organizations will also provide wrap-around services to families in need including mental health counseling and information about how to apply for resources such as Medi-Cal.

Other events continue in the fire's aftermath to help heal the greater Foresthill community

The County of Placer's Library Services organized an event at the Foresthill Library to provide families a space to gather. They held a community storytime and offered stations where families could play games and write personalized notes of gratitude to the many firefighters that saved their town. A few days later, Auburn Interfaith Food Closet partnered with eight groups for a food distribution event in downtown Foresthill. Approximately 400 households or 1,000 people received food and DoorDash gift cards that were donated through PCF. 

All of us at Placer Community Foundation are grateful for the generosity of our donors, the collaboration among our partners, and the overarching care and compassion shown throughout the fire. Thank you.