×

News publications and other organizations are encouraged to reuse Direct Relief-published content for free under a Creative Commons License (Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International), given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

When republishing:

  • Include a byline with the reporter’s name and Direct Relief in the following format: "Author Name, Direct Relief." If attribution in that format is not possible, include the following language at the top of the story: "This story was originally published by Direct Relief."
  • If publishing online, please link to the original URL of the story.
  • Maintain any tagline at the bottom of the story.
  • With Direct Relief's permission, news publications can make changes such as localizing the content for a particular area, using a different headline, or shortening story text. To confirm edits are acceptable, please check with Direct Relief by clicking this link.
  • If new content is added to the original story — for example, a comment from a local official — a note with language to the effect of the following must be included: "Additional reporting by [reporter and organization]."
  • If republished stories are shared on social media, Direct Relief appreciates being tagged in the posts:
    • Twitter (@DirectRelief)
    • Facebook (@DirectRelief)
    • Instagram (@DirectRelief)

Republishing Images:

Unless stated otherwise, images shot by Direct Relief may be republished for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution, given the republisher complies with the requirements identified below.

  • Maintain correct caption information.
  • Credit the photographer and Direct Relief in the caption. For example: "First and Last Name / Direct Relief."
  • Do not digitally alter images.

Direct Relief often contracts with freelance photographers who usually, but not always, allow their work to be published by Direct Relief’s media partners. Contact Direct Relief for permission to use images in which Direct Relief is not credited in the caption by clicking here.

Other Requirements:

  • Do not state or imply that donations to any third-party organization support Direct Relief's work.
  • Republishers may not sell Direct Relief's content.
  • Direct Relief's work is prohibited from populating web pages designed to improve rankings on search engines or solely to gain revenue from network-based advertisements.
  • Advance permission is required to translate Direct Relief's stories into a language different from the original language of publication. To inquire, contact us here.
  • If Direct Relief requests a change to or removal of republished Direct Relief content from a site or on-air, the republisher must comply.

For any additional questions about republishing Direct Relief content, please email the team here.

California Wildfires: 10,000 N-95 Masks, Fire-Specific Supplies Bound for Communities Statewide

News

California Wildfires

A burned-out van smolders after the Camp Fire moved through Paradise, California on Nov 8, 2018. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Firefighters continue battling deadly blazes that erupted Thursday across California.

The Camp Fire has devastated the Northern California town of Paradise, about 80 miles north of Sacramento, forcing as many as 40,000 Butte County residents to evacuate and burning more than 70,00 acres. At least five people died in their cars trying to flee the inferno, according to Butte County law enforcement. The situation is still unfolding, but officials believe as many as 1,000 structures have been destroyed.

In Southern California, Santa Ana wind-whipped flames jumped Highway 101 and continued churning toward the Pacific Ocean. Neighborhoods in Malibu were being evacuated Friday, and about 75,000 homes are under threat in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

The blazes come a year after a massive series of fires broke out across Northern California, ripping through neighborhoods and killing 44, and within weeks of the Thomas Fire, which burned more more than 280,000 acres in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.  Direct Relief responded extensively during and after those fires, and has extended assistance to health centers and clinics statewide, in and around the fire perimeters.

On Friday, Direct Relief staff were working to prepare a shipment of 10,000 N-95 respirator masks requested by the Santa Rosa Community Health Center for distribution. Though the center is not directly in the fire’s path, staff reported poor air quality in the area. The masks were donated by 3M.

Beyond the threat from high temperatures, wildfires can exacerbate chronic health issues such as asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. For those with such conditions, fires deal a harsh combination of smoke, dust and other particulates in the air.

Inhalers, N-95 masks, eye wash and essential medicines leave Direct Relief's warehouse Thursday night bound for areas impacted by the Hill Fire in Ventura County. (Lara Cooper/Direct Relief)
Inhalers, N-95 masks, eye wash and essential medicines leave Direct Relief’s warehouse Thursday night bound for areas impacted by the Hill Fire in Ventura County. (Lara Cooper/Direct Relief)

Eight pallets of N-95 respiratory masks, as well as inhalers, nebulizers, eye-wash solution, and other essential medicines, were all shipped out to fire-impacted communities, including those in Ventura County.

Direct Relief maintains a standing inventory of items needed during wildfires, such as N-95 masks and respiratory medications.

Direct Relief is in close communication with state, county and local health officials about medical needs that may arise as more people evacuate. Direct Relief is also working with the California Office of Emergency Services, the Red Cross, Pacific Coast and Ventura County Chapters, Ventura’s Medical Reserve Corps and Office of Emergency Services, among others.

Giving is Good Medicine

You don't have to donate. That's why it's so extraordinary if you do.