Hundreds of thousands of Southern California residents are being evacuated as wildfires continue to burn.

Among them, a resident with New Jersey roots who returned from a recent visit in the Garden State to a natural disaster back home.

“We've all, in Jersey, been through hurricanes with no rain,” said Michelle Mapp, who grew up in Piscataway but now lives in Altadena, California. “Imagine a hurricane with no rain, and fire being whipped around instead.”

Mapp’s family evacuated before the orders came in, after seeing flames in their backyard. Standing outside the Pasadena Convention Center, Mapp said the 100 mph wind speeds are the biggest accelerant.

“We at least know that our house is OK for the moment,” Mapp said. “There's more wind tonight, and so everybody's just crossing their fingers and praying. My older son, in his grade, can rattle off five people who lost their homes. How are we going to get them back to school on Tuesday?”

During New Jersey’s spell of wildfires in the fall, the Red Cross was a constant - offering food, shelter and supplies. Now, four residents have the chance to return the favor to those who have lost it all.

“Everybody needs help, and this is a particularly big help,” said first-time volunteer Anne Leahy, of Brick. “As long as there's moral support for them and they know there's people behind them.”

Highlands native turned Hollywood director Kevin Smith took to social media to thank firefighters for saving his home from the flames.