North Coast Regional DCSS responds to the Helena and Fork Fires

By: Janelle Mora, CA DCSS

The North Coast Regional Department of Child Support Services (North Coast DCSS), comprised of Trinity and Humboldt counties, is in the process of recovering from the Helena and Fork Fires that occurred in September. The Helena Fire was located near Junction City and Weaverville in Humboldt County and the Fork Fire was located north of Monument Peak and southwest of East Fork Lakes in the Trinity Alps. The wildfires began August 30th and lasted for approximately a month, damaging more than 21,000 acres.

Trinity County DCSS employees Diane Darrah and Tina Duong manned the department’s clean air stations during the fires, providing staff in their facility with non-polluted air. Communications remained strong throughout the fires; those who chose not to evacuate provided updates through Facebook.

“This emergency drew our county together, and each time we go through one of these emergencies we get better and quicker with our response,” says Diane Darrah, Trinity County DCSS Senior Account Technician.



Trinity DCSS staff and family show support on Patriot's Day

As a gesture of gratitude, employees of Trinity County DCSS lined the streets of Weaverville on Patriots Day to thank the firefighters and emergency responders for their help putting out the local wildfires. The department also hung a “Thank You Firefighters” banner next to the Trinity County DCSS building to show their appreciation.

Humboldt DCSS put together a raffle basket including
 a handmade apron benefitting Fire Victims Fund 

Trinity County DCSS employees also gathered donations to deliver to their local collection center, monitoring what was needed through Facebook pages created specifically for county emergencies. Humboldt County DCSS put together a raffle basket, donating the proceeds to the Fire Victims fund.

Trinity County DCSS has their own Emergency Action Plan that every employee receives training in upon hire. The plan provides employees and visitors with proper procedures in the event of an emergency. Along with fire and evacuation procedures, the plan provides response actions for other emergencies such as earthquakes, explosions, hazardous materials, etc. The department also holds an annual surprise emergency evacuation of the building for safety training.

Thankful that all of her employees are safe, Diane says “The rebuilding process is beginning, and we continue to support each other as a united community.”

Our hearts go out to all that have been affected by the recent fire tragedies across California. We will continue to write updates on the recovery process.