Pinay Among Those Who Lost Homes in California Wildfire
Henni Espinosa, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau
Posted at 09/15/2015 2:24 PM
CALIFORNIA – California Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency in Lake, Napa, and Sonoma counties after raging wildfires burned at least a thousand homes, businesses and other structures.
The valley fire began creating havoc over the weekend, about 115 miles west of Sacramento, and affected the three counties.
Balitang America has confirmed that one Filipino named Arlene Azarcon has lost three properties because of the wildfire–two homes in Middletown and a cabin in Cobb County. Azarcon is on vacation right now in Spain and will not be back in the bay area until September 25.
Officials say the number of affected homes and buildings are likely to increase as officials make their way through the burned areas.
The blaze has so far left one dead and several unaccounted for. More than 3,000 firefighters are fighting the blaze, as deputies from 23 agencies respond to request for aid.
Shelters have been set up in surrounding areas to accommodate thousands of evacuees.
“I’m happy I’m alive and I’m happy this place is being offered as a tremendous asset for people who are struggling right now,” said Allan Gleicher who evacuated from Middletown.
Balitang America has been in contact with the Philippine Consulate officials in San Francisco who have reached out to the Filipino community in affected areas to determine the impact the wildfire.
Based on the 2010 US Census, there are 264 Filipinos in Lake County; 3,693 Filipinos in Sonoma County and 5,824 Pinoys in Napa County.