LOS ANGELES — "Would you like water or Gatorade, sir?" Robert Lucas was among the first in line, and for him, the relief offered was more than just a meal — it was a lifeline.
"You guys are the best. You're awesome," Lucas responded.
Living near Lake Elsinore, Lucas is one of tens of thousands forced to evacuate due to the fast-approaching Airport Fire. Although he’s survived three wildfires before, he said none have been as devastating as this one.
"This was the worst because I have 35 acres up on the plateau," he said. "Usually, it hits either the house or the horses, but this time, it got both."
Since the fire first ignited, Lucas' main concern has been saving his ranch and livestock, not feeding himself. For days, he survived on minimal food and drinks.
But that changed today, thanks to the generosity of World Central Kitchen, known for delivering food to war zones and disaster-stricken areas. The nonprofit World Central Kitchen quickly mobilized in response to the wildfires. They set up food distribution sites for evacuees, first responders and anyone affected by the three major fires raging in Southern California.
"They’re giving you home-cooked meals. We’ve been living on bananas, apples, whatever was left over.”
Danielle McGinnis, a World Central Kitchen team member stationed at the Airport Fire, explained their approach to outreach.
"We have our own little army. I like to call the food truck army," McGinnis said. "We send them out directly to where people are in need, and we’re able to feed people right away."
Over the past few days, hundreds of evacuees have come for a hot meal, a small comfort amid the uncertainty of an unrelenting fire.
"This team is focusing on everything for the Airport Fire. We are helping displaced evacuees, first responders, firefighters, the sheriff’s department, and local shelters."
For chef Carolyn Frame, cooking these meals is her way of bringing hope to those in need.
"It fills my soul," Frame said. "It makes me feel happy that I am able to provide a small bit of service to people who are hurting."
Frame, a chef hired by World Central Kitchen, had been in town from Florida for an event when the fire broke out. She immediately knew she had to help.
"I’ve been through three hurricanes in America,” Frame said.
Lucas shared video footage of his property as the fire flared. He chose to stay behind and battle the blaze himself, using only a hose to protect his ranch and horses.
"I built my home with my own hands. I couldn’t leave — it’s my home, not just a house," he said.
As the Airport Fire rages across two counties, affecting thousands, Robert feels fortunate to have survived. With one less worry on his plate, he can now focus on starting the long cleanup process.