Fires Affect Members in Arizona, Colorado

In June and July some 12,000 Church members were evacuated from their homes in Arizona, where wildfires burned over 400,000 acres and destroyed some 200 houses. Approximately 35 Latter-day Saint families lost their homes. Local Church units worked actively with the Red Cross to provide shelter and supplies for displaced families. Church humanitarian funds were used to purchase food and other supplies. In addition, several semitrailer loads of emergency items were transferred to the area from bishops’ storehouses in Mesa, Arizona, and Salt Lake City.

Other blazes in southern Colorado burned some 66,000 acres, causing the evacuation of 1,100 people. Several members’ homes were extensively damaged and one destroyed. Church members worked with the Red Cross to provide meals and lodging for most evacuees. Church welfare resources were donated to the Southwest Colorado Chapter of the Red Cross to help purchase food and other items.