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(FOX40.COM) – Containment on the TCU September Lightning Complex Fire stands as 22%, with flames burning 13, 966 acres across Tuolumne and Calaveras counties as of Friday afternoon, according to Cal Fire officials.
While crews remain hard at work, local organizations and county officials are stepping in to provide relief to residents who have lost homes, belongings, and access to basic necessities.
For many in the small town of Chinese Camp, Friday brought a sense of hope after days without food, water, or even clothing. The Red Cross, local store owners and animal control teams arrived to help residents who remained behind amid the devastation.
“There’s some sense of normalcy right now,” said resident Dina Pinheiro.
Pinheiro expressed her gratitude to PG&E crews that she says are working tirelessly to restore power.
Among those on the ground in Nancy’s Hope Thrift Shop, a non-profit donating food, water, clothing, and other supplies to families in need.
“Please come see us,” said founder, Nancy Scott. “We’re going to help you with whatever you need help with and what I always say is where there’s hope, there’s help and we’re always here to give hope.”
The Salvation Army has been coordinating with the Red Cross and Cal Fire to bring support directly to impacted communities.
According to the Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services, one of the biggest challenges is tracking down evacuees. Many are spread across hotels, temporary shelter, or other locations without phones or internet access.
“Do you need a cell phone? Are you needing your driver’s license replaced?” asked Dore Bietz, with Tuolumne County OES. “Is it immediate food? Is it sheltering?”
Officials urge residents to call the county’s public information line at (209) 533-5151, staffed daily from 8 am to 8 pm until further notice.
Evacuees can also register at the Tuolumne County Senior Center at 540 Greenley Rd in Sonora to receive wraparound services even if they do not stay overnight.
In addition to food and shelter, Tuolumne County is also offering property tax disaster relief to those who have lost their homes or business were impacted by the fire.
To quality, property damage must exceed $10,000 or 10% of the property’s assessed value. Property owners can help speed up the process by reporting their Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) or property address to the Assessor’s Office by calling (209) 533-5535 or emailing assessor@co.tuolumne.ca.gov
“We understand the immense challenges our community faces following this disaster, and we are committed to providing support,” said Kaenan Whitman, Tuolumne County Assessor. “By notifying our office, you can help us ensure that all eligible properties receive the necessary tax relief.”
The reduced property value will remain in effect until the property is rebuilt or repaired. Under Proposition 13. Properties reconstructed in a like or similar manner will retain their previous assessed value, preventing tax hikes post-disaster.
The county says this tax relief is available for all types of properties, including residential homes, commercial buildings, industrial sites, and mobile homes. But damage to vehicles and personal property contents, such as furniture and personal effects, are not eligible for this tax relief, as they are not considered assessable property.
More information can be found at: https://www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov/…/Disaster-Relief
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Josie Heart
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