Here's how you can directly help the first responders, evacuees, and animals threatened by the Colorado wildfires. 

We love our beautiful state, and it's been absolutely heartbreaking to see vast parts of it go up in flames. This year's wildfire season has been shattering records left and right—we've seen the three largest fires in state history just within the past few months. Hundreds of thousands of acres of national forests and pristine wilderness have been ravaged, with hundreds of people forced to evacuate, not knowing if they'll have anything to come home to.

Here at Our Community Now, we believe in getting involved and taking care of our community—it's in our name, after all. That's why we did some research to find out how to help during these unprecedented times. It's devastating to watch this unfold, and it can feel like a helpless situation, but there are things we can do.

According to Governor Polis, the best way people can help right now is financially. Donations are the most effective way to provide immediate help—they fund things like shelter, food, and resources for evacuees and first responders.

Here are some of the organizations supporting wildfire victims and first responders that you can donate to:

Statewide

• Colorado Responds is “the leading resource for individuals giving and agencies seeking help in the face of a disaster,” according to their website. There, you can find information on how to donate, volunteer, and provide resources to first responders.
• The American Red Cross of Northern Colorado is spending thousands of dollars a day to provide temporary housing to evacuees.
• Elevations Credit Union has set up a Wildfire Relief Fund to help those displaced in Boulder and Larimer Counties, and they're even matching donations through the end of the month (up to $100,000).
• You can directly support first responders and their families by donating to the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Foundation.
• Denver7 has also created a Colorado Wildfire Victim Fund to help those directly affected by the fires. 

Boulder County

BOULDER COUNTY — 5min time-lapse of #CalwoodFire burning near Jamestown, CO (as viewed from Niwot.)#FOX31 #cowx pic.twitter.com/Rpd0cDrBk5

— Brooks (@BrooksWeather) October 17, 2020

The Community Foundation of Boulder County created the 2020 Fires Relief Fund to support individuals, families, and non-profit organizations affected by the Cal-wood and Lefthand Canyon fires. 

Stay up-to-date on the latest information at Boulder's Office of Emergency Management website. 

Larimer County

• The Food Bank for Larimer County is accepting donations of canned or boxed food.
• United Way of Larimer County has also set up the Larimer County Fire Recovery Fund, where all donations go to assisting evacuees and others affected by the Cameron Peak Fire.
• The Larimer County Humane Society is providing shelter and transportation for hundreds of companion and small barnyard animals and providing resources to partnering shelters.
• Larimer County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) consists of several disaster response and recovery organizations that provide emergency assistance to Larimer County residents. 
• The Larimer County Fairgrounds is also raising funds for supplies after taking in hundreds of evacuated horses. 

You can find more information and resources on Larimer County's website. 

Grand County

Aerial view shows smoke billowing from the East Troublesome Fire in Colorado, that has now burned at least 170,000 acres and is just 5% contained, becoming the second largest wildfire in Colorado history. https://t.co/jbsEHwACoz pic.twitter.com/i3WYZ6iO8E

— ABC News (@ABC) October 23, 2020

• The Grand County Wildfire Emergency Fund has been created to assist Grand County residents who have been displaced or lost their homes from the East Troublesome Fire.
• The Rural Health Network is accepting donations to buy meals from local restaurants for evacuees and first responders. 
• You can also donate ready-to-eat food and clothing to the Church of the Eternal Hills. Check the Grand County Outbreak of Kindness Facebook page for more information about what items they need and where you can drop them off. 

Grand County's website has more information about fire updates, evacuations, and emergency preparedness. 

Other Ways to Help

• The Ranch Events Center is assisting in livestock evacuation and shelter, and they need volunteers, hay, and wood shavings. You must be at least 18 to volunteer—if you're interested, contact Carol Waller at 970-619-4019. If you're able to donate supplies, you should call Maggie Steely at 970-619-4009.
• United Way will post volunteer opportunities as they become safe for community volunteers. You can sign up for alerts at www.NoCoVolunteers.org.

Governor Polis says that another major way Coloradans can help during these times is by understanding fire safety to avoid sparking any new fires. Several of the wildfires currently raging throughout the state are suspected to be human-caused, so it's crucial that people are being responsible and following fire ban restrictions. He also strongly recommends signing up for emergency alerts and being prepared in the event of an evacuation. 

You can watch the most recent update about the wildfires from Governor Polis below:

Colorado's official website has the latest information on wildfire updates, evacuations routes, and more.

If you know of any additional resources, please let us know in the comments. We'll do our best to keep our readers up-to-date. Stay safe, everyone!