The Telegraph Fire that sparked near Superior, Arizona, on June 4th, 2021, is one of the largest wildfires in the state’s history. The burned area ultimately reached 180,757 acres, and the flames consumed 51 structures. Many were forced to evacuate due to the threat of the fast-moving fire. Once it was 90% contained, volunteers arrived in the town of Miami for two consecutive days, disaster relief cash cards and bags of essential supplies in hand.

On the first Sunday in May, volunteers from Tzu Chi USA’s Northwest Region visited a small mountain community known as Last Chance to provide care for forest fire survivors. Covered in dust, volunteers quickly unloaded a truckload of relief materials and vegetarian meal boxes. These were prepared in advance for nearly 30 community members who were holding a monthly forest fire reconstruction meeting. The CZU Lightning Complex fires were sparked in Northern California beginning on August 16th, 2020, and volunteers from Tzu Chi USA’s Northwest Region have endeavored to empower survivors with love and relief throughout the many stages of rebuilding.