World-renowned restauranteur Guy Fieri has been doing his bit to help those affected by the California wildfires – by cooking up some 15,000 Thanksgiving meals.
Fieri teamed up with celebrity chefs Tyler Florence, Jenn Louis and José Andrés in Chico, California Thursday to organize the preparation of meals for those affected by the devastating “Camp Fire,” which has decimated large swathes of Northern California.
The volunteers made it happen today. Sure makes you proud to be a member of the Northern California community!! pic.twitter.com/Xc5cK7lAmK
— Mayor Guy Fieri (@GuyFieri) November 22, 2018
“The least we can be doing today, on Thanksgiving, is all coming together to show the people what they deserve: love and support, one plate of food at a time,” Andrés said in a video posted to Twitter.
Quick report from Chico, California as we prepare #Thanksgiving dinner for the amazing community of @paradise_ca! #ChefsForCalifornia #ButteStrong #ThanksgivingTogether @GuyFieri @TylerFlorence pic.twitter.com/FYR33gas8Z
— Chef José Andrés 🕊️🥘🍳 (@chefjoseandres) November 22, 2018
Along with the star-student culinary line-up, the group was assisted by an 800-strong team of volunteers.
We are off and cookin at 5 am. Goin’ for 7000lb of Turkey on 6 smokers! Big thanks to our supports @Lowes @OpBBQRelief @CochonVolantBBQ #OleHickoryBBQPitts and of course @WCKitchen pic.twitter.com/twq1kZWWew
— Mayor Guy Fieri (@GuyFieri) November 22, 2018
Andrés’ organization “World Central Kitchen” has assisted victims of a number of natural disasters, including those affected by Hurricane Maria. “In an emergency, you cannot run by committee,” he told PEOPLE. “We have a tendency to throw money at the problem instead of investing in solutions.”
Stumbled upon Guy Fieri addressing a group of first responders in Chico. He’s helping a few orgs serve Thanksgiving meals to Camp fire evacuees. @latimes pic.twitter.com/TqwzNYvR8t
— Laura Newberry (@LauraMNewberry) November 22, 2018
According to CNN, some 84 people have been confirmed killed by the Campfire, making it the deadliest blaze in California’s history. Cal Fire confirmed that the inferno was 95% contained as of Friday morning, hopefully bringing some small element of relief to those located in the disaster area.
The brave fire fighters of Cal Fire.
They are a dedicated hard working team that we should all be thankful for @CAL_FIRE @chefjoseandres pic.twitter.com/Per5oJppKr— Mayor Guy Fieri (@GuyFieri) November 22, 2018
Officials are now faced with the monumental recovery and rebuilding effort that lies ahead, all with the threat of mudslides and other fire-related hazards looming large.