Responding to the Bernardo Fire in San Diego County

Direct Relief has offered assistance to health center partners located near the Bernardo Fire that began Tuesday in northern San Diego County and has burned nearly 1,600 acres.

The Bernardo Fire is now 25 percent contained and evacuation orders have been lifted, but officials warn that high temperatures and high winds mean “the battle is not over,” reports the LA Times.

According to CAL FIRE, California’s department of forestry and fire protection, the agency has responded to more than 1,350 wildfires. The average for this time of year is 700, reports USA Today.

Direct Relief has N-95 particulate masks (which have a higher filtration than paper and surgical masks) on standby as well as other fire-related inventory such as inhalers and nebulizers, first-aid products, medical supplies for eye irritation, and personal care products. These supplies are ready to send to partners should they be requested for affected patients.

When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people can experience symptoms of abnormal breathing, coughing, chest discomfort and shortness of breath.

Follow @DirectRelief on Twitter for the latest news from partners as it unfolds.

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