The FirstEnergy Foundation has donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross to support its efforts to offer disaster assistance to families living in communities served by FirstEnergy Corp. electric company Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L).
The donation comes after the Red Cross provided aid to some of the 5,000 residents who evacuated due to the Jones Road wildfire, which burned through more than 15,000 acres in parts of JCP&L’s Ocean County territory after starting on April 22 at the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area.
“When our crews respond to disasters, both in our territory or as part of mutual aid, it is the American Red Cross that is routinely there, providing the support that sustains communities in the immediate aftermath,” said Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy’s president, New Jersey. “Last month’s wildfire burned close to home for many of our customers and employees, and once again, the Red Cross stepped up when people needed them most.”
The fast-moving fire threatened more than 1,300 structures and put 3,000 residents in Ocean and Lacey townships under mandatory evacuation orders. Thousands more heeded voluntary orders to find safer ground. JCP&L temporarily shut off power to more than 25,000 customers in the area at the request of the fire’s command post for the safety of firefighters. On Monday afternoon, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service announced that the fire is 100% contained.
“When a quick-moving wildfire forced thousands of people to evacuate their Ocean County homes in New Jersey, the Red Cross was there, working with partners to provide temporary shelter, care, comfort and meals to more than 300 people who had no place to go,” said Kim Goetz, executive director of the American Red Cross New Jersey Region.
“Our volunteers supported first responders and firefighters as they battled the Jones Road Fire, providing meals, snacks, coffee and other beverages,” added Goetz. “Without the selfless dedication of volunteers and supporters like the FirstEnergy Foundation, our work is not possible. We’re grateful for this incredible donation, which enables the Red Cross to prepare for and respond to disasters big and small.”
