American Red Cross sends Central Coast volunteers to Detwiler Fire

UPDATE 7/20/2017 5:00 p.m. The town of Mariposa and those who lost everything in the now 70,000 acre fire are getting help from three people from the Central Coast.

The Santa Cruz chapter of the American Red Cross sent three Central Coast volunteers to Mariposa County Thursday morning to bring relief to residents and first responders.

Though it’s going to be a lot of work, the volunteers say it’s worth it.

“For me personally the best reward is knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life,” said volunteer Jamshid Kiani of Felton.

He along with Salinas volunteer Steve Carson will join a third volunteer from Marina in an emergency response vehicle. Those vehicles are stocked with enough supplies for three hundred.

Though they have a minimum two week commitment, volunteers say they will stay as long as needed.

PREVIOUS STORY: The Santa Cruz chapter of the American Red Cross sent three Central Coast volunteers and an emergency response vehicle to the Detwiler Fire Thursday morning. The vehicle is equipped with desperately needed supplies including food, water and toiletries. Volunteers are planning to be in Mariposa County for two weeks. Though it’s not easy work they say it’s worth it.

“For me personally the best reward is knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life,” Jamshid Kiani, a full time American Red Cross volunteer.

Tonight at 5 KION’s Zach Fuentes has more on the work that goes into sending volunteers like Kiani to one of the biggest wildfires of the season.