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Oak Fire forces thousands in Central California to evacuate

#ChefsForCalifornia
Mariposa County, California | Active from July – August 2022
The rapid expanding Oak Fire forced thousands to evacuate their Central California homes, with a state of emergency declaration for Mariposa County. WCK, alongside restaurant partners, provided nourishing meals to families seeking refuge at shelters and first responders.

The Oak Fire quickly became one of the biggest blazes of the state’s 2022 fire season. First reported on July 22 in Mariposa County, the fire burned nearly 20,000 acres of land and destroyed several homes.

The fire’s rapid expansion hampered evacuation efforts, but the tight-knit Mariposa community came together to ensure displaced families and first responders had access to food and shelter.

WCK’s Relief Team worked with area restaurants to ensure anyone in need had a fresh plate of food.

Chefs For California

Supporting local restaurants cooking for neighbors in need

WCK and five local restaurants worked together to deliver freshly prepared meals to evacuees and first responders.

The crew at Charles St. Dinner House whipped up delicious items like salmon, tri-tip, ravioli, NY steak, and BBQ ribs. Before our team arrived on the ground, Charles St. was already cooking for the community.

For dinner, Chef Krysten and her team at 1850 Brewhouse prepared delicious plates like honey mustard bbq glazed pork chops with zucchini and white rice.

In addition to helping us serve evacuees at the Red Cross shelter, Pizza Factory provided free meals at their restaurant. On the menu? Spaghetti bolognese, lasagna, and fresh garlic bread!