Quesadilla Gorilla feeds first responders battling KNP-Complex fire

THREE RIVERS, Calif.–As first responders battle the KNP-Complex fire, which was started by lightning on September 9, one local business took it upon themselves to help.

The Quesadilla Gorilla food truck located on Sierra Drive is known for its ooey-gooey cheesy quesadillas. But with the KNP-Complex fire burning nearby, Quesadilla Gorilla decided to stay open later than their usual business hours to help feed first responders working around the clock battling the blaze.

The KNP-Complex fire has burned over 76,000 acres of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with only 11% containment as of Tuesday.

However, with help from the community, Quesadilla Gorilla has also created a first responders fund to help pay for meals for first responders battling the fire.

“We reached up to about $3,000. I would say last Friday our manager put together where we made about 250 breakfast burritos for them. So, that was about $1,700; they were really thankful,” said Serena Pompa-Ortiz, a team member at Quesadilla Gorilla.

However, not everyone knew about the fund, which caught some, like Chris Hash, an EMT for American Ambulance by surprise.

“We seem to feel at the bottom of the line as an EMS worker, but it is great to be noticed for a foundation that we’re actually part of the crew and we’re actually involved in one,” said Hash.

First responders who are battling the KNP Complex fire and would like a hot meal can visit the Quesadilla Gorilla food truck Monday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. on Sierra Drive or visit their website for more information.