Dulzura, California

Disaster Description

Dulzura, California is located 25 miles south east of San Diego and about 10 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico Border. Dulzura is a small, rural community of about 700 people.

California saw some of the worst fires in its history in October of 2007. More than one million people were forced to evacuate their homes, one of the largest evacuations in United States history. The Harris Fires, which affected Dulzura, burned 90,000 acres. Over 250 homes were destroyed by the fires and five people were killed. Major factors in the fires were drought, hot weather, and high winds. Due to the large number of fires, equipment and personnel were limited to fight the immense blazes.

MDS Response

Mennonite Disaster Service volunteers rebuilt homes in Julian, CA, 50 miles north of Dulzura, five years ago after the Cedar Fires. Reports are that Julian was unaffected by the fires in 2007. Great partners in the area including the local Long Term Recovery Committee and the Salvation Army have invited MDS back to the area to once again clean up, rebuild and restore hope.

The MDS camp is an entirely mobile project. Trailers include one each for the kitchen, dining, bunkhouse, shower, office, and other RV’s and tool trailers. San Diego County and the Department of Planning and Land Use are providing crucial support in rebuilding affordable housing for this lower income community. Work will continue in Dulzura through the fall and winter.

Photo Gallery

100 6581

Pouring the foundation.

Tina-Bob

Bob and Tina go over the plans.

Kiko-Doug-the-plumber

Kiko and Doug work inside.

Han-k-Bob

Volunteers Hank and Bob framing at the project in Dulzura, CA.

Duane-Bennie

Duane and Benny working at the project in Dulzura.

David-Ray-Brent

MDS volunteers David, Ray and Brent framing in Dulzura.

Project Reports

Weekly Report for Dulzura

December 4, 2009

Six short-termers from Corvallis, OR arrived at site around 5:00 p.m., Sunday, 11/29. The note said, “We are in town. Will be back ASAP. There is a health issue involved.” Indeed. As the long-termers returned from San...[more]

Category: Dulzura, CA

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