The Durango Chamber of Commerce is working to provide a place for the community to donate goods for people fighting the 416 Fire.

Durango Fire Protection District appreciates the good will, but is stressing that it is not the fire department calling for help.

“We didn’t request the donations, we’re not asking for donations. The Chamber is doing this on their own and wants to do this to show support to the firefighters, which I totally get,” said DFPD Battalion Chief Michael Krupa.

The 416 Fire burning over 1,500 acres north of Durango is currently managed by a federal team, not a DFPD team, so they already have infrastructure in place for supplies, Krupa said.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jack Llewelyn said they are creating bags with food and supplies for the firefighters to quickly grab.

Items to include:

Wool type socks (Thorlo, Smartwool, etc.)Energy barsTrail mixBeef jerky and other energy-type snacksBandannasChap stick/lip balmHard candyBottled water Take donations to Fire Station 1 in Bodo Park, 142 Sheppard Drive, until 2 p.m. today.

Llewelyn said the bags may be transported to the fire base camp or to evacuees as well.

You can also get information on the 416 Fire crisis response page on Facebook. The page allows users to offer help (for example: shelter, pet supplies and transportation) or find help. This page also lets you make monetary donations.

rsimonovich@durangoherald.com