The Creek Fire began on Sept. 4 and has since burned through more than 370,000 acres of land in Fresno and Madera counties. With many communities displaced, people from the Fresno area were quick to respond and assist victims. Faculty member Dr. Kenneth Hansen aided victims of the Creek Fire because he wanted to help Native students and their families who were forced to evacuate.

"Our local tribal communities have always shown those of us who are non-California Natives a great deal of hospitality," he said. "I wanted to give back."

Hansen began working with Cal-TERRA [California Tribal Emergency Response and Relief Agency] in the spring as a board member. He says Cal-TERRA had connections to folks with the resources, and that it was a perfect opportunity for the organization to take action to help people in need.

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