San Diego, California, USA - The Wildfires that hit San Diego County in October destroyed at least 600 homes and 100 businesses. Now a threat of rain brings a danger of erosion to these recently burned areas. Urgent help is needed!

Today UNITED SIKHS received the following SOS from our volunteer partners:

“Today 12/6 and this weekend - Dire request!

30 Sandbaggers needed in Rancho Bernardo to help before sundown to prepare for rain tonight. Also needed throughout the weekend. It's heavy-duty work that includes digging shallow trenches and installing fiber rolls to prevent erosion along with heavy lifting. Shifts available.”

As rains are being forecasted, volunteers are urgently needed for heavy-duty work that includes digging shallow trenches, and installing fiber rolls to prevent erosion. This work requires heavy lifting. Multiple shifts are available. This is an ongoing need for volunteers to do erosion control. Erosion is prevented by blanketing hillsides with hydro-mulch, sandbags and fiber rolls and laying concrete barriers. Training will be provided.

Locations in need of assistance though the Christmas period include: Bonita Sunnyside Fire Dept., Dulzura Fire Dept., Fallbrook, Ramona, and Valley Center Road.

Installation of straw waddles on this hillside. Courtesy North County Times

Residents living in these areas should check the following sites or steps they should take to protect their property from soil erosion:

1. Erosion Control Resource Packet: http://www.wildfirezone.org/assets/images/resource_docs/homeerosion.pdf

2. What we Know About Post-Fire Debris Flows: http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/20

3. Watch Video on Preventing Erosion: http://sdcounty.granicus.com/ASX.php?publish_id=51&sn=sdcounty.granicus.com

Volunteers who wish to assist please send an email to sikhaid@unitedsikhs.org
or call 404-550-8356/888-243-1690.

For an earlier press release on the San Diego fires please click: http://www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-24-10-2007-00.htm

Issued By:
Kuldip Singh
Director
UNITED SIKHS
Phone: 1-888-243-1690, 404 5508356