Employees work this week at the Trancas, CA, Post Office, located in Napa County. Due to a power outage, it was too dark to work inside the facility.
No USPS facilities have been damaged, although service at 15 Post Offices has been affected due to road closures and power outages. Some offices have suspended retail operations, shifting these services to other locations.
“Every effort is being made to deliver the mail, safety permitting,” said Pacific Area Acting VP Larry Munoz.
Fed by gusting winds and dry conditions, the fires so far have consumed 122,000 acres of land and forced the evacuation of more than 200,000 people.
California’s wine country — including Napa, Sonoma and Medocino counties — has been hardest hit.
USPS is advising employees in the affected areas to call the national emergency hotline at 888-363-7462 to report their condition, while customers can check the USPS Service Alerts site for the latest updates.
Employees are also being provided with safety guidance and materials, including respirator masks for carriers who deliver in areas affected by wind and smoke.
At least 17 employees have lost homes to the fires. The Postal Employees’ Relief Fund and Employee Assistance Program are available to help employees who are affected by natural disasters and other emergencies.
Munoz thanked the employees who are continuing to work despite hardships caused by the fires.
“I take great pride in the heroic efforts our employees are making, and I urge them to take every precaution during this challenging time,” Munoz said.
LLVs are parked at the Napa Main Post Office, where the skies are illuminated by the wildfires sweeping the region.
Source: USPS News Link