Many families lost homes in the Mountain View Fire in Walker, Calif. Local firefighters seek to help with Gift Cards to help victims.
Inyo’s fire departments support of Mountain View Fire victims
The Olancha, Lone Pine, Independence, Big Pine and Bishop firefighters have joined together in a massive effort to make the holidays a little brighter for the hundreds of Mono County residents who lost their homes in the devastating Mountain View Fire.
“We really want to thank everyone who has contributed so far,” said Bishop Fire Chief Joe Dell. “We have been in communication with the Northern Mono County Chamber of Commerce, which will be helping us distribute the gift cards, and the folks in Walker are so appreciative of everything we’re doing. The generosity of Inyo County’s communities is amazing.”
As of Thursday, Bishop alone has collected more than $5,300 in gift cards for Walker.
Donate Gift Cards to Walker fire victim this Christmas. Be sure to put amount on the card!
Anyone who would like to donate may do so by bringing unused gift cards to any Inyo County fire station. Alternatively, gift cards can be mailed to the Bishop Volunteer Firefighters’ Association, PO Box 1236, Bishop CA 93515. The most useful gift cards would be for stores in the Carson City area, such as Walmart, Costco, Target, Home Depot, Bed Bath and Beyond, and so on, or Visa pre-paid cards. Please drop the gift cards off by Dec. 15, and be sure to note how much each gift card is worth. At this time, only gift cards (or cash to purchase gift cards) are being accepted.
When the Antelope Valley Fire Department called for aid for the Mountain View Fire on Nov. 17, Inyo County’s volunteer firefighters responded with a task force of fire engines from Lone Pine, Big Pine and Bishop, led by Big Pine Fire Chief Damon Carrington. The wind that night was raging, reminiscent of the Round Fire that destroyed Swall Meadows in 2015. Previously, the Round Fire held the title for the most destructive fire in Mono County history, destroying 40 homes. The Mountain View Fire flattened 90 homes and claimed one life. It came on the heels of the Slink Fire earlier this year, which threatened the Coleville area in September.
For more information about the gift card drive, call the Bishop fire station during regular business hours, (760) 873-5485.
