Wildfires have been tearing through Southern California all summer destroying countless acres of land, causing massive evacuations and high levels of smoke in the air.
For one boy scout troop, the Whittier Fire hit close to home as their camp was destroyed and all of the animals in their nature center were killed.
The Outdoor School and Rancho Alegre, an outdoor residential education center that is home to the Los Padres Council of the Boy Scouts of America was evacuated and everyone was taken to a safer area.
The camp and outdoor school has over 10,000 students, Boy Scouts and visitors every year.
Scout Executive Carlos Cortez released a statement on behalf of the Los Padres Council saying most of the property had been destroyed.
“We are sad to report that a fire from outside of Rancho Alegre Scout camp passed through the camp causing significant damage to the property. We are thankful that no youth members, adult volunteers or staff were harmed. Authorities from CAL FIRE are responding to the fire in other locations, which has been designated as the Whittier Fire.
The safety and well-being of our participants and staff is of paramount importance to the BSA, and integral to everything we do. While no youth members were present when the fire reached the camp property, immediately upon spotting the fire staff began moving toward areas of safety."
The Los Padres Council, Boy Scouts of America has authorized a GoFundMe campaign to help start the camps's rebuilding efforts.
If you'd like to learn more or donate, check out their GoFundMe HERE, the Los Padres Council site HERE and the Camp Rancho Alegre/Outdoor School site HERE.
This morning, Carlos spoke to Jennifer about what happened and how the public can help.