Middletown Rancheria turned casino into shelter for fire victims

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Signs on the Middletown Rancheria offered thanks to firefighters who battled a series of major fires in northern California. Photo from Facebook

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The Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians provided shelter and safety to victims of a devastating fire in northern California.

About 38 tribal members and employees lost their homes to the Valley Fire. The Twin Pine Casino & Hotel fortunately escaped damage and became a Red Cross relief center for people in need.

Survivors stayed in hotel rooms as the fire burned through September and early October. The tribe established an disaster relief fund to assist victims.

“A united community now faces the long road of recovery together," Chairman Jose Simon wrote told Indian Country Today.

The executive chef at the casino was among those who lost a home, ICT reported. The facility closed for a temporary period during the height of the blaze.

The Valley Fire burned more than 76,000 acres and destroyed more than 2,000 homes, businesses and buildings, ICT reported. Four people died and four firefighters were injured, ICT said. It is considered the third worst fire in California history.

Another blaze, known as the Rocky Fire, also affected the area in August.

Get the Story:
Middletown Rancheria Pomo Provide Shelter, Aid to Valley Fire Victims (Indian Country Today 10/12)