On August 4, 2021, the Dixie Fire tore through the small Northern California town of Greenville and left it in ruin. On the very next day, the Dixie Fire destroyed the rural community of Canyondam, 13 miles north of Greenville. The Dixie Fire, which started on July 14th, is still burning out of control. It has grown to over 700,000 acres and is only 37% contained. This fire has caused ongoing destruction and has displaced many families. There is a great need of support for those who lost their homes…lost everything…in the Dixie Fire.

My name is Sheryl LaFlamme. My two brothers and I are fundraising for three of our immediate family members who lost their homes to the Dixie Fire.

The Henry Family is of Mountain Maidu descent. Our traditional homelands encompass the northeastern region of California, an area in which the Dixie Fire has consumed. The communities of Greenville and Canyondam were home to our two brothers Charlie Henry and Michael Henry, as well as our step-father Harry Begay.

A proud indigenous family who rarely ask for help must now seek out the kindness of others. We have set up this account to help our family members get back on their feet and get into a temporary home, of some kind, before Fall/Winter.  We have a plan to buy Charlie, his family and Michael a trailer or RV with generator to live in while permanent homes are being built. Any additional funds will go towards the building of their new homes and replacing important items needed for their livelihood. Our step-father is unsure of where he wants to go, but we would like him to have the financial stability to move to a permanent dwelling to live out the rest of his years peacefully. We know this will not compensate for their loss, but it will be a beginning.

Charlie, his wife Tina and their son Matt lost their home in Greenville to the fire. Charlie, a logger and sole supporter for his family, was able to load up a few of their possessions and flee before the fire destroyed their home. Charlie and his family are safe and are currently living in a hotel room, grateful to be together.

Michael, a logger, was able to set up camp outside of the burn area after Greenville was destroyed. As fire raced up and over the ridge, Michael was forced to evacuate leaving his trailer behind. Michael is safe and currently living in a hotel room.

Harry Begay, our 92-year young step-father, was married to our mother for many years. He remained in our family home located in Canyondam after she passed away in 2018. Harry, who was born on the Navajo Indian Reservation, was a Korean War Veteran and worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 43 years. He fell in love with Plumas County when he first visited in the 1970’s. Work took him many places, but his love for our mom, the beautiful and unique terrain of Plumas County and the friendly people, brought him back permanently to live after retirement. Harry also lost his home when the fire destroyed it in Canyondam. Harry is safe and currently living with Paul and his son, Paul Jr.

We have included some pictures of the destruction and a link to learn more about this disaster and where to find other families in need. We hope you will be able to contribute to the Henry Family. Any donation, no matter what size, can fill a bucket. We thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts.

Greenville: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/watch/there-is-nothing-left-californias-dixie-fire-destroys-town-of-greenville/vp-AAN6zBy

Canyondam: https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/t/dixie-fire-flames-destroy-the-town-of-canyondam/vi-AAN19xR

Cal Fire: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2021/7/14/dixie-fire/

Help other Dixie Fire Victims: https://www.gofundme.com/s?q=dixie%20fire