BURBANK, Calif. (BP) — Jared Osselaer isn’t sure how many people will need a generator or a place to stay as fires continue to spread across Los Angeles County, but Story City Church will be ready.

More than 28,000 acres have been scorched by the fires, with officials confirming five deaths but expecting that count to rise. More than 2,000 structures have been destroyed, and 130,000 residents have been placed under evacuation orders.

Osselaer has seen the strength of the Santa Ana winds fueling the flames and, in his case, tearing shingles off his home.

“We’re having sustained gusts of 60 to 80 mph, going up to 100,” he said. “Branches are all over the street. It’s why these fires are so bad.”

Story City Church, where he serves as pastor, has made itself available for anyone needing shelter. Generators are also available for anyone who has lost power.

One church member lost their home, with many others having family members who suffered the same fate.

“This all happened so suddenly,” he said. “We’re helping people deal with that disruption that has certainly produced a lot of fear and anxiety. We’ve reached out to people and made sure they know we’re here. The next couple of weeks will be important to see how we can best meet needs, to listen to people’s stories.”

Jon Karn is among the evacuees. Yesterday morning at 6 a.m., neighbors pounded on the door, telling him it was time to evacuate. He, his wife, daughter and the family’s pet bunny, Chico, piled into the car.

“We drove around awhile and did our best to find gas. There were so many people doing the same,” Karn, pastor of Light on the Corner Church in Montrose, told BP from a hotel room at Seal Beach. “We finally did and went south until we were out of the smoke.

“Everyone here at the hotel is in the same spot we are. Just waiting for news; seems everyone brought a pet.”

He hasn’t received word on his home but feels confident it’s OK, as some who chose to stay haven’t told him otherwise. Church members have also stayed in constant contact. At least one family lost their home.

“We want to get back as soon as possible, hopefully tomorrow,” said Karn, talking between coughs as he just happened to catch sickness in recent days. “Everything is just a big question right now.”

Calvary Church in West Hills has thus far weathered the storm, so to speak, said Pastor Stephen Jones.

“My church and family are on the west end of the San Fernando Valley, about 11 miles from the Palisades fire,” he said. “We’ve had intermittent power outages because of the winds and a lot of smoke in the air as you look across the horizon of the valley.”

Most of the church’s ministries continue. Prayer is essential, as well as communication. He lives about 5 miles from an evacuation zone and is prepared to evacuate because things can change quickly.

“We’re keeping a close eye on things and we’re praying for our community,” he said. “We’re praying not only for people’s physical needs but also for their spiritual needs, and we’re asking that the Lord would use this to soften hearts and turn people to Christ.”

Send Network shared a video posted by Shane Critser, one of the group’s leaders in Los Angeles County.

“We just ask for you to pray for us, to pray for the city,” he said. “We’re so grateful for the disaster relief teams and Southern Baptist churches that are already being mobilized and meeting with city leaders.”

Osselaer echoed Critser’s thoughts.

“We’ve had so many from the Southern Baptist family reach out to offer help, and we appreciate it,” he said. “My phone has blown up with calls and texts. As soon as we hear of the specific needs of our community, we’ll engage with that.”

(EDITOR’S NOTE — Scott Barkley is chief national correspondent for Baptist Press.)