Nedra Pickler, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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WASHINGTON - President - elect Barack Obama is using the fundraising power of his campaign website to solicit donations and volunteers for wildfire relief efforts in Southern California.

The Barackobama.com home page, no longer needed to boost his candidacy, has been transformed into a plea to help victims of the wind-swept fires that have burned about 165 square kilometres and destroyed hundreds of homes in Southern California.

"Together we can help the victims of the Southern California fires," the site says, using the same text and graphics for Obama's campaign slogan of "Yes, we can."

It includes a link to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's site, Californiavolunteers.org, where people can sign up to volunteer or donate to the Red Cross or Salvation Army.

Obama called Schwarzenegger and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Sunday to express his concern and get an update on the situation, according to the president-elect's transition office.

"Throughout the campaign, we saw time and again that when ordinary people act together, they can make a huge difference," Obama's site said.

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On the Net:

http://www.barackobama.com