California Church Providing Shelter And Support to Wildfire Victims

northern California wildfire 2017 |CP

A California church 'the Influence Church,' is offering sanctuary to numerous victims of northern California wildfires.  All members of the church located in Anaheim Hills, have not only opened the church to those in need, but have also opened their own homes.

A coffee shop near the church also offered free coffee to victims who lost all  their valuables in the wildfires.

"During the evacuation, church members and staff helped neighbors move stuff out of their houses. We prayed for those that were in distress during that time. It was like chaos around here," Pastor Phil Hotsenpiller told The CP.

“We gave out water. We offered housing. We probably had 50 of our members offer homes for people to stay in. If they didn't want to do that, we offered to pay for their hotel. Although we didn't have anyone take us up on the hotel, on the rooms they did," Pastor Hotsenpiller added.

The church is especially close to the “Canyon Fire 2” which began on Monday. This particular fire is reportedly about 60 percent contained.

 Northern California wildfires death toll

The death toll form the wildfires in northern California which continued to spread and cause destruction, is now put at 36 people.

On Saturday, overnight strong winds in northern California brought more challenges for thousands of firefighters who ris their lives working to stop the deadly and destructive wildfires that have devastated whole northern California communities.

The wildfires have also burned through 170,000 acres of land, destroying 6,000 homes and businesses, and forcing over 20,000 people to evacuate.