The wildfires that raged through San Diego in 2007 may have seem like a distant memory to some, but much remains to be done for the victims of the catastrophe. Recent reports indicate that only a small percentage of fire-stricken homeowners have rebuilt and many pf the affected families are still in need of aid. In an effort to bring attention to this situation and raise funds, drummer Randy Seol of legendary 1960s psychedelic rockers The Strawberry Alarm Clock has put together a special benefit concert — “Rock for Fire Relief” — at Winston’s on Saturday, Nov. 8. The music starts at 3 p.m. with a bill topped by the original members of Strawberry Alarm Clock. The group still features five original members, including Steve Bartek, also best known as key member of 1980s favorite Oingo Boingo. Tickets for the fundraising event are $100 and include dinner and performances by flamenco fusion group The Maldonado Brothers and folk-rockers Nick Castro & The Young Elders. “There is just so much that needs to be done to help these people, but I didn’t see much happening,” Seol said of his inspiration for the event. “We constantly hear about these vast amounts of money being delivered to this or that organization, but rarely does it seem to go to those that need it the most.” To that end Seol plans for this show to be one of several leading up to a bigger event next summer. All proceeds will go directly to two area families in need. “I don’t understand why there is so much red tape and bureaucracy in these situations. We will be depositing money directly into bank accounts,” Seol said. For him, the idea of gathering musicians to aid families who are suffering is a no-brainer. “We have the ability to gather people,” Seol said. “Music draws them in and the performers spread the message.” David Maldonado considers musicians to be closer to the public than politicians or CEOs. “The reasons musicians or artists as a whole are the first in line to help with a cause, is because we are in the trenches with the people,” Maldonado said. “We are watching everything from the ‘life’ perspective, feel hard pain/happiness for others and see the bigger picture. So we will use whatever we have to help another in need. I choose my best asset, my music.” Seol points out it’s important to the community as a whole to be involved. Anyone could need help when they least expect it. “These days, you don’t have to be burned out of your home to feel the walls closing in a little bit,” he said. “You can lose your business or your car or any number of things that are important to you. With this recession, we’re all in the same boat, so anything we can do to help is going to be appreciated.” Though Seol and his group appeared in several classic films of the era, including “Psych Out” and “Beyond The Valley of the Dolls,” they remain best known for their 1967 hit “Incense Peppermints.” “We were kids,” he said. Indeed, Bartek, who wrote much of the band’s material, was only 15 at the time and was not allowed by his parents to tour. “We had no idea we were recording a classic,” Seol said. “But a lot of the success of the song was timing. The music industry of the day was changing and was giving more freedom to talk about things as they really were. “’Incense Peppermints’” was one of the first songs to make it to the radio that had the ‘tune in, drop out,’ message of the times, and it clicked,” Seol said. Even former Beatle Paul McCartney has cited the song as a favorite. The group is deep into production of a new album for possible springtime release. But for now, Seol is putting his main efforts into these benefits. “It’s the least I can do to give back,” Seol said. “I just wish it was possible to help even more families.” The Strawberry Alarm Clock performs at Winstons, 1921 Bacon St. on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.winstonsob.com.