As fire crews struggle to bring under control the devastating wildfires ripping through California, the logistics community has been called upon to be ready to offer the help needed to support the residents through the coming weeks and months.

Executive director of the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), Kathy Fulton, explains there has already been an enormous outpouring of donations to local relief organisations on the ground in the areas of the fires with some reportedly feeling overwhelmed.

“In fact these organisations are already being logistically challenged by the outpouring of donations, all of which needed to be sorted, categorised and organised in order to get them ready for distribution,” Fulton continues.

“Most of these organisations have little to no experience running that kind of ad-hoc warehousing and transportation operation – especially under such dire circumstances. So ALAN has been especially busy providing these organisations with the just-in-time guidance they require.

“We are also gathering and sharing key information about how the fires are affecting logistics infrastructure and resources, including information on road closures, power outages, curfews, and more.”

Fulton says those with logistics capabilities such as warehouse space, trucks, equipment or supplies which they are willing to donate, are being encouraged to register here. 

“We’ll need a lot of support in the coming days, weeks and months,” Fulton adds.  “And the more advance information we have about available resources, the more quickly we’ll be able to fulfil requests for assistance and get survivors the help they need.” 

ALAN’s Disaster Micro-Site will list all requests for fire relief assistance.

“On a final note, please don’t try to send supplies to Southern California right now,” Fulton implores. “Relief organisations and disaster survivors have no place to store or keep them – and trying to handle the wave of incoming products can turn into a major challenge at a time when they’re dealing with other priorities.”