The CZU Lightning Complex fires in Northern California began on August 16th, 2020, spanning 86,509 acres. Soon after, volunteers from Tzu Chi USA’s Northwest Region began providing disaster relief to empower survivors with the love and resources needed to rebuild their lives. In 2022, Tzu Chi volunteers reunited with residents of a small community known as Last Chance to check in on their individual situations and offer medical outreach.

The Mill Fire ignited in the City of Weed, in Siskiyou County, California, at noon on Friday, September 2, 2022. Influenced by high temperatures and strong winds, the wildfire spread rapidly. The governor declared a state of emergency in Siskiyou County that very night and ordered thousands of people to evacuate their homes. According to official sources, the wildfire caused two fatalities and destroyed 118 structures, including homes. The area’s residents were left to cope with heavy grief over losses of life and property. After receiving a list of affected households from their long-time partner, United Way, Tzu Chi USA Northwest Region volunteers held a disaster relief distribution at the Weed Community Center on October 9, providing $29,100 in cash card aid of benefit to 98 people.