Mat-Su

Relief groups ask public to shift gears with Willow fire donations

Organizations responding to the Sockeye wildfire near Willow say they no longer need donations of household items, food or water.

Instead, organizations including The Salvation Army, the Red Cross of Alaska, MYHouse and Alaska Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters are encouraging people to make financial donations to funds set up to support the long-term needs of fire victims.

The fire destroyed at least 55 homes and many more structures.

Existing needs for donated items were quickly met by an outpouring of support, according to a press release Thursday from several groups. But now relief groups need to focus on the needs of people left without homes.

Surplus donations are being distributed to other people in need throughout the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, the release said.

Fire victims whose properties sustained damage exceeding $1,000 can apply for property tax relief from the Mat-Su Borough using a specific application available online and being mailed to property owners. Applications must be completed and filed at borough offices or postmarked by Aug. 21. Tax relief will be for the reduced assessed value due to the fire damage from the date of damage through the end of year 2015. For more information, call 907-861-8642.

Fire victims who need immediate assistance can call a Red Cross hotline at 907-357-6060 or The Salvation Army at 907-745-7079.

To donate to the American Red Cross Alaska Chapter, call 800-RED CROSS. To donate to the Salvation Army Sockeye Fire Relief Fund, call 907-276-2515 or 800-276-5919. The Mat-Su Borough is maintaining a list of volunteers who will be contacted as needs are identified. To put your name on the list, email disastervolunteers@matsugov.us.

Zaz Hollander

Zaz Hollander is a veteran journalist based in the Mat-Su and is currently an ADN local news editor and reporter. She covers breaking news, the Mat-Su region, aviation and general assignments. Contact her at zhollander@adn.com.

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