Fallbrook aid group in action

A Fallbrook group has worked hard this week getting aid to people who lost everything in last week's fires.

North County Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, is a grass-roots group based in Fallbrook that serves residents of Fallbrook, Rainbow and Bonsall.

Established in 2005, the group coordinates its work with the North County Fire Department, said Everett Herb, a volunteer with the group.

Yesterday, CERT had a tent set up at Fallbrook's Local Assistance Center at 341 Heald Lane - ground zero for aid for fire victims.

CERT was mobilized initially to provide aid for pets and other animals impacted by the fire, but so many people have donated items for people that volunteers have been busy assembling and delivering care packages, said Everett Herb, a 50-year-old volunteer.

Volunteers with the group have delivered numerous items to fire victims throughout Fallbrook but also to Ramona and Pauma Valley, said Christina Martinez, a 32-year-old volunteer.

One CERT volunteer brought dog food, water and care packages in his pick-up truck to Palomar Mountain.

The group has supplied fire victims with pet food, kitty litter, kennels, blankets, pet beds, collars and leashes, flashlights, batteries, diapers, dust masks, plastic buckets, gloves and many more items.

CERT is still accepting donations. Call James Beebe at 760-728-2010 or contact him at jbeebe@ncfire.org.

- Bruce Lieberman, staff writer