How to Help Victims of the LA Wildfires
At least 10 people are reported to have died and over 100,000 residents have been forced to flee in the wake of raging wildfires in the Los Angeles region, as firefighters have struggled to contain several blazes that continue to be fanned by strong winds.
Fueled by low humidity and raging Santa Ana winds, the Palisades Fire had burned through over 19,000 acres by Friday morning, while the Eaton Fire spanned over 13,000 acres. Firefighters are battling five fires across the Los Angeles area at once.
Read more: See Photos of Devastating Palisades Fire in California
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell warned that crews were facing "unprecedented conditions,” and asked people to heed evacuation orders at a press conference on Wednesday morning.
“This is a tragic time in our history here in Los Angeles, but a time when we’re really tested and see who we really are,” McDonnell said.
Businesses and homes have been damaged in the Pacific Palisades, thousands of structures destroyed by the Palisades Fire.
California Governor Gavin Newsom deployed over a 1000 firefighters to the region after declaring a state of emergency on Tuesday night.
Here's how you can help victims of the Los Angeles wildfires:
California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund
The California Fire Foundation works with local fire agencies and community based organizations to provide ongoing, mid- and long-term support to California communities affected by natural disasters like wildfires. The organization, which provides direct support to victims, is beginning to support those impacted by the Palisades Fire.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit global food relief organization founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, is already on the ground in Southern California to aid first responders and evacuees. “Our teams have mobilized across the region to provide immediate relief in the form of sandwiches and water as we identify all areas of need,” the organization said in a statement on Jan. 8.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army operates a disaster services fund that directly supports evacuees and first responders of California wildfires. The organization provides emergency relief and long-term assistance to those impacted by natural disasters.
GoFundMe
The online fundraising platform GoFundMe has created a centralized hub of verified fundraising pages on its site. The list is updated by the platform's Trust & Safety team to ensure that all included fundraisers are authentic. GoFundMe has also launched its own 2025 Wildfire Relief Fund, and says that all money raised will go directly to impacted people who are seeking help through GoFundMe fundraisers, and to nonprofit organizations providing relief on the ground.
California Community Foundation
The California Community Foundation has been working to strengthen Los Angeles County since 1915. The organization's Wildfire Recovery Fund targets the most underserved and hard to reach communities in the region, with the goal of helping provide long-term recovery relief.
CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation
CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation provides financial aid to firefighters and their families in the case of injury or loss of life. The organization also helps support burn victims and their families, along with research focused on firefighter health and safety.
Write to Simmone Shah at simmone.shah@time.com.
