While some residents are being proactive about new fire threats, others are rebuilding what has burned.
Another round awaits Southern California extreme wind and fire weather this week. While some residents are being proactive about new fire threats, others are recovering from what has burned. But they don't do it alone.
Bernie the Bernedoodle is part of a crisis response team. He traveled eight hours with his human from Tucson to Southern California to provide support to wildfire victims and first responders.
Bernie and his handler traveled eight hours from Tucson to help victims in Southern California. (Sunny Tsai/FOXBusiness)
“He did a great job of making people smile, especially when they're under pressure and in less than perfect conditions,” said Bernie's handler, Jim Watts.
LOCAL FOCUS ON REBUILDING COMMUNITY IGNITED BY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES
Bernie had a busy schedule when he arrived, an ambulance and elementary school students stopped by.
“We've been to the Pasadena Police Department twice, we've been through the call. We've been through the entire 911 center, we've been through the entire police department,” Watts said.
CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES: INSURED LOSSES COULD TOP $30 BILLION, WELLS FARGO ANALYSIS FINDS
Fox met with Bernie at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Pasadena.
FEMA has two disaster recovery centers to assist wildfire victims in Southern California. (Sunny Tsai/FOXBusiness)
“FEMA may be able to help people who are underinsured or uninsured. This is true for both homeowners and renters. FEMA may be able to assist with immediate funding needs. It may be for immediate needs that people had when they had to leave their homes,” said FEMA Public Affairs Specialist Kim Keblish.
FEMA can also help with funding for temporary housing. While FEMA provides monetary resourcesother four-legged friends take care of the comfort.
Angie holds someone's hand at the Disaster Recovery Center. (Sunny Tsai/FOXBusiness)
Angie goes to the Pasadena Disaster Recovery Center several hours a day to help evacuees like her.
LOCALS STAND OUT IN SUPPORT OF FRONT LINE FIGHTING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES
“The way it was coming into the house, it was like our front mailbox hadn't heard a noise in 21 years. And you could hear the buzzing. You could tell she was scared,” said Angie's father, John Gutierrez.
After it was safe to return home, Angie and her people knew the community needed their support.
“Some people are crying, some people are just very, very grateful, but it just brightens their day and brings smiles, so I think how hard it is right now, anything anyone can do to help, and that's what we can do.” Gutierrez said.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
There are two disaster recovery centers helping wildfire victims in Southern California. They are open every day of the week. FEMA also advises people who need help to go to their website for a faster and easier way to apply for help.
