Tamarack Fire Assistance Fund
The Tamarack Fire
On July 16, 2021, a small fire in the wilderness area west of Markleeville, Calif. exploded and headed toward the town. In short time, it burned through Grover Hot Springs State Park, Turtle Rock Park, Carson River Resort, and Indian Creek Reservoir. It encroached on the communities of Shay Creek, Alpine Village, Markleeville, Woodfords, and Crystal Springs, engulfing several homes and buildings and evacuating residents of all of these communities. Ultimately, over 60,000 acres of forest and natural resources were scorched. Families have been displaced and businesses have lost a huge amount of the revenues that would normally carry them through the winter season.
The Tamarack Fire Assistance Fund was launched to help offset the costs of fire damage, displacement, lost income, environmental damage, and rebuilding the economy. By December, 312 donors had committed a total of $106,447 to this fund. The Tamarack Fire Assistance Funding Oversight Committee , comprised of five representatives from various sectors of the communities in Alpine County, was designed to distribute the funds. As of December 17, 2021 all of the initial funds were distributed into the community. From the original amount raised, the Chamber of Commerce, as the central fund administrator, absorbed all GoFundMe fees. The remaining balance was distributed as follows:
- $39,947 - Distributed to individual households
- $50,000 - Distributed to businesses
- $6,500 - Distributed to community-based organizations
- $10,000 - Recovery and rebuilding marketing efforts
While the initial emergency fund has been exhausted, donations will continue to be accepted for rebuilding efforts, as we know the process of recovery will take many years. The portal for requests for assistance will remain open as well, and as the fund continues to grow those requests can be reviewed.
The level of gratitude for all who supported this fund cannot be measured. Each individual was affected by the fire in a unique way, and each donation provided some form of support, basic needs, and hope to the people who make their lives in Alpine County.
FOR ONGOING USE: Please use the links below to donate, and to access the applications for residents or businesses of Alpine County that wish to apply for assistance.
- Funding allocations are contingent upon severity of need and availability of funds.