CNN.com reported early this morning that the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado has now burned over 18,500 acres but a respite may be on the horizon as temperatures cool and winds die down today. They are also reporting that 36,000 people have been displaced because of the blaze and the fire is still only 5% contained as of yesterday.

The Colorado Division of Emergency Management told CNN that the wildfires so far had destroyed 181,426 acres by Wednesday afternoon. The U.S Forest Service added that the High Park Fire, which began about twenty days ago and is only 75% contained has destroyed 87,284 acres

Wildfire terminology and let’s face it wildfires are all too familiar for most Californians and if you would like to help here is how you can:

The American Red Cross accepts donations four ways: through their website www.redcross.org, via phone by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations can be snail mailed to a local American Red Cross chapter or to the headquarters: American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

The non-profit Operation Homefront (a four star charity according to Charity Navigator’s grading system) is seeking monetary donations to assist military families who have been displaced by the fires in Colorado. The Colorado Springs area is home to the Air Force Academy, Fort Carson, Schriever Air Force Base, Peterson Air Force Base, and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station. To donate please visit www.OperationHomefront.net/RockyMountains. An astounding and honorable 94% of Operation Homefront’s total revenue goes directly to assist service members.

Meanwhile in Florida residents are starting to clean up in areas not under water after Tropical Storm Debby receded yesterday morning after bringing damaging winds, drenching the state with rain, and knocking out power. Bryan Koon, the director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management told The New York Times 8 to 10 rivers had moderate to major flooding. The Washington Post is reporting at least three deaths, and over 100 homes and businesses flooded, but thankfully electricity is up and running in most areas.

People who have been forced to evacuate due to fire or flood can find a Red Cross shelter on the website or through the free Red Cross phone app. Both are updated every 30 minutes.

The Red Cross also maintains the Safe and Well website, a searchable database for people to register and let loved ones know where they are after a disaster.