Jiu-jitsu black belt Tanner Rice recounts how he and his community have been affected by the raging fires near the North California city of Redding, where he lives. 

Right now the biggest wild fire in Californian state history is burning, with over 300,000 acres affected over three counties. 

Based in Redding, a city on the Sacramento river about 200 miles north of San Francisco, Tanner Rice and his family operate the Rice Brothers Jiu-Jitsu gym. 

The fire narrowly avoided the gym, coming within about a couple of miles of their location before turning north. Some of the families who train there weren't so lucky and they lost their homes in the blaze. 

"We've been helping them out as much as possible," says Tanner. "Giving them his, clothes, food, and started a GoFundMe account. I've been babysitting the kids while the parents figure out stuff with the insurance company." 

An unexpected side effect of the fire means that it has brought the community together. Rice describes Redding as feeling like a smaller town as a result. "Everybody has been helping out, restaurants are giving fire fighters free food, Dutch Bros are giving free coffees to anyone affected in the fire." 

Rice describes the gym as "hanging in there". The gym remains open though the smoke and road closures mean things are slower right now. 

"It was sketchy watching the fire crawl up behind the hospital about a mile from the gym," says Rice. "We've had fires near here before but not pushing int the city." 

Members of the gym are working together to get the Brown family back on their feet as soon as possible. Two of the children are two-time Pan Kids champions at yellow and orange belt. If you would like to contribute to getting them back on the feet consider donating here.