Stockton, CA – November 27, 2018 — Utility Telecom has generously donated over $5,000 in toiletries, baby supplies, jackets, air mattresses, pet food, and undergarments to the Hope Center of Oroville to help the victims of the Camp Fires.
According to a Utility Telecom service technician, the fires started small on Thursday, November 8th at 7:00 a.m. In just 7 short hours the fires spread from 1,000 acres to 18,000 acres while he was on a job site in Magalia, CA. Once the evacuations started hundreds of residents attempted to escape with only one way out. With no gas, power, or cell phone service, the technician had only one choice: to abandon the service vehicle in hopes of surviving the evacuation. Thankfully he was able to escape by catching a ride to Chico, CA while hundreds waited in gridlock traffic on the escape route.
(This video was taken on November 8th, 2018 at the start of the fires)
This devastating story, along with many others, encouraged Utility Telecom to get involved with relief efforts for this tragedy. According to USA Today, there have been at least 88 known fatalities, with over 240 people still listed as missing. With nearly 19,000 buildings destroyed, the Camp Fire has become the nation’s deadliest wildfire in a century. The company offers it’s condolences to all of those affected and hopes to help the community of Paradise, CA and the surrounding areas.