THE SOUTHLAND FIRESTORM : SHELTERS : Some Evacuation Centers Closed

The Ventura County chapter of the American Red Cross closed several evacuation centers used earlier in the week, but remained ready to open other shelters for fire victims should the need arise.

Makeshift shelters at Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Santa Paula and Nordhoff high schools were shut down because of low turnout, said Richard Rink, a Red Cross program director.

“A lot of people stayed in their homes when the evacuation was not mandatory,” he said. “Most people who were forced to evacuate waited just outside the fire lines.”

A shelter at Westlake High School was closed and reopened Thursday evening when the fire approached Westlake Village, a Red Cross official said.

Rink said Red Cross officials will be contacting county residents who have lost their homes to determine whether they need help. People can also call the agency.

“We will provide immediate assistance to them,” he said. “Things have been so crazy in this county, we’re hoping that if they need something they will contact us.” The Red Cross can be reached at 339-2234.

Red Cross officials are also seeking monetary donations to help fire victims. Donations can be sent to the Ventura County American Red Cross, P. O. Box 5850, Ventura, 93005. Money will be used wherever needed in the county, unless the donor indicates that the contribution should go to victims of a particular fire.

Donations of items such as food and clothing are not being sought now, Rink said, except from big businesses that can provide mass quantities of services or goods.