For 17 days in November, 2018, until it was contained, the Camp Fire ravaged Butte County and the surrounding areas. It swept through at breathtaking speed, destroying nearly everything in its path. It quickly became the largest wildfire in California history, burning nearly 19,000 structures, killing 85 people and reaching a total square area of nearly 240 square miles. It is the costliest natural disaster in US history, having caused $16.5 billion worth of damage.

On the 6-month anniversary of the fire, a news story noted that over 1,000 people still had no housing. On Facebook Groups, survivors post almost daily about the need for gas, baby formula or car seats, repairs to a trailer. Some things that are needed are things that would seem small to many, but would make a huge difference to people whose lives have been turned upside down.

There are a lot of organizations on the ground. Many have stopped accepting applications for help and most are overwhelmed by the continuing need. Life From the Ashes was formed to join our efforts with theirs to try to alleviate suffering among our fellow Californians.