The Postal Service is continuing to deliver mail and packages in California despite a series of devastating fires sweeping through the state.
In Northern California, a blaze destroyed 175 homes and businesses and prompted the Lower Lake Post Office to temporarily re-locate to nearby Clearlake.
“People are scared,” said Lower Lake Postmaster Ben Lovato.
The community suffered a major fire last year that Lovato said “was devastating to a lot of people in this area. … Seeing this again brings up a lot of mixed emotions.”
A second fire along California’s central coast has scorched 70,000 acres, destroyed 57 homes and killed one firefighter.
“That is a lot for our small community to absorb,” said Big Sur Postmaster Andrew Luersen, who has worked to clear his Post Office of brush and branches.
Fire also is sweeping through Southern California’s San Bernardino County, prompting the closures of the Wrightwood and Lytle Creek Post Offices.
The USPS Service Alerts page has the latest information on closures.
Employees in affected areas are encouraged to use the national emergency hotline number, 888-363-7462, to stay in touch.
The Postal Employees Relief Fund and Employee Assistance Program can provide assistance to employees who have suffered losses.
