March 6, 2024

Dear Rhode Island Community,

Over three months, 10,000 Californian homes were lost. Wildfires are no longer a crisis in Los Angeles—they are a growing threat in Rhode Island and beyond. With increasingly dry conditions, wildfires are not only spreading further but also affecting air quality everywhere. Fires in the Carolinas, as recent as March 2, 2025, prove this danger is putting more communities at risk. Many communities currently facing these risks are not aware.

Our team recognizes that we must act now by supporting wildfire relief and prevention efforts that make a real difference. We have been fundraising for Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE). CORE partners with local communities to ensure the aid they receive matches the community's needs, including providing immediate aid and investing in long-term solutions. We know this is not a challenge we can face alone—we must all come together.

In a community, we recognize that what hurts one member affects everyone. Wildfires affect us all. The time to prepare and protect is now. As environmental engineering students, we recognize the risks we take when we don’t take proactive action toward urgent societal needs. We aim to inspire Rhode Island to take precautions, raise awareness, and support efforts to safeguard our environment and homes. Everyone must come together to contribute to stronger, lasting action.

Wildfires threaten more than just forests—they endanger homes, air quality, and entire communities. By acting now, we can prevent greater devastation and protect the places we call home before it’s too late.

Sincerely,

11th Grade Pre-Engineering Technology Students at Davies Career & Technical High School

SkillsUSA Team: CVC Wildfire Guard

Audrey Rolfe, Lincoln
Lissalin Guzman, Pawtucket
Zyere Blake, Pawtucket