NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. — The fires in southern California are leaving a path of destruction and thousands of people without a place to live. But first responders from across the nation — and even around the world — are stepping up and rushing into the fire to help. 

At least nine states currently have firefighting crews in California to assist. Mexico and Canada have also sent crews and supplies to battle the fires. 

Volunteers from North Carolina are doing their part as well, including a Red Cross volunteer from Brunswick County who’s been responding to disasters for more than a decade.  


What You Need To Know

  • The wildfires in southern California have been devastating, leaving thousands of people displaced
  • Gene Pavone has been volunteering with the Red Cross since 2012 and will be in California, helping with these fires, for a month
  • Firefighters are still working to control the fires

Gene Pavone has been volunteering with the Red Cross since 2012. (Spectrum News 1/Natalie Mooney)

When Gene Pavone first heard of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, he immediately felt the call to action.

“I knew right away, with no doubt in my mind, that I’d be going out there,” Pavone said. “No sooner than my bags were packed, I got the call.”

That call was from the Red Cross, asking him to come help in yet another disaster.

Pavone says he’s been volunteering with the Red Cross since 2012, and so far, he’s helped out during at least 50 disasters, including four other fires in California.

Just some of Pavone's pins from assisting with other disasters. (Spectrum News 1/Natalie Mooney)

“I’m familiar with these horrific fires, I know what they mean, and I deal with the people who are involved with them,” Pavone said. “You gotta hug 'em when they start crying and you know just comfort them, you know? Talk to them, let them talk, and I enjoy doing that.”

Pavone is flying out to Los Angeles, where he’ll be volunteering with the Red Cross for a month, helping in any way he can.

Thousands of structures have already been destroyed, and the death toll is rising. 

Pavone will be in California for a month, assisting with the fires. (Spectrum News 1/Natalie Mooney)

Pavone says it takes a lot to help people on their worst days.

He says when you’re helping people during disasters of this nature, you have to have a heart.

“Can you imagine losing all your baby pictures and all your parents’ pictures?” Pavone asked. “You know, it’s hard to do, but they’ll survive it.”

After seeing so many disasters, Pavone is certain of one thing: People are resilient.

It will be hard, but California will recover, and Pavone is happy to help in any way he can.

“It makes me feel good to see them smile, you know,” Pavone said. “Knowing that I’ve helped them a little bit.”