Several rapidly spreading wildfires are devastating the Los Angeles area, damaging or destroying thousands of homes and structures and forcing the evacuation of nearly 180,000 people across the region.
Fueled by high winds and breaking out on Tuesday, January 7, the Palisades, Hurst, and Eaton fires have collectively burned more than 27,000 acres in the region, making them the most destructive in Los Angeles history, per Reuters. The Eaton fire has killed five people, with the death toll expected to rise, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, in conversation with ABC7.
Of the most devastating fires, only the Hurst fire has shown minimal signs of slowing—with the blaze just 10 percent contained at the time of writing, per CalFire. The Lidia and Sunset fires, which began yesterday, Wednesday, January 8, are 60 percent and 0 percent contained, respectively, according to CalFire.
As a Los Angeles-based outfit with many team members who call Southern California home, we know LA is hurting. For those of us who are safe, it’s time to show support for not only one of the world’s best dance music cities, but also a place near and dear to many of our friends and neighbors, from the dancefloor and beyond.
Those in need of emergency recovery assistance can apply with the Federal Emergency Management Agency at disasterassistance.gov.
Here’s how you can help:
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is asking for donations to its wildfire emergency fund, with contributions going toward supplying firefighters with equipment they need to battle the blaze.
Donate here.
Wildfire Recovery Fund
A donation to the Wildlife Recovery Fund of the California Community Foundation offers relief in the form of shelter, food and money for marginalized communities hit hardest by the fires.
Donate here.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Accepting food donations and volunteers. For more information, visit lafoodbank.org.
Los Angeles Anderson Munger Family YMCA
The Koreatown YMCA is accepting donations and deliveries of food, snacks, water, emergency supplies and other essentials, according to its Instagram.
California Fire Foundation
Donating to the California Fire Foundation helps firefighters working to stop the blaze and their families, as well as victims of fire and other natural disasters in underserved communities across California, contributing financial aid, honoring fallen heroes, and offering scholarships to children of fallen firefighters, according to its website.
Donate here.
League of California Community Foundations
The state’s nonprofit coalition has set up a joint fund for people impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Previous disaster funds have helped rebuild homes, restore lost property, and provide mental health services, according to CBS News.
Donate here.
Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles
Donations support building affordable family homes and residences for those displaced and unhoused due to the wildfires.
Donate here.
Baby2Baby
This nonprofit provides children living in poverty across the country with diapers, clothing, and other basic necessities. Baby2Baby is on the ground in LA, working with 470 partner organizations in LA county to bring these items and more to affected families, according to its Facebook page.
Donate here.
Pasadena Humane Society
The animal humane society of one of the city’s hardest-hit regions is accepting donations to support pet evacuations throughout Los Angeles.
Donate here.
California Wildfire Relief Fund
Run by Washington, D.C. nonprofit GlobalGiving, the California Wildfire Relief Fund is putting donations toward wildfire relief and recovery efforts throughout the state, providing victims with food, water, and shelter through various vetted nonprofits, according to its website.
Donate here.
Project HOPE
The worldwide humanitarian organization is accepting donations to help their on-the-ground team provide aid and supplies to wildfire victims by supporting local shelters and health workers in marginalized communities.
Donate here.
Community College Wildfire Disaster Relief Program
Created by the Foundation for California Community Colleges and the California Community Colleges system, this Wildfire Disaster Relief program is collecting donations to help students, faculty, and staff impacted by the blaze. At least 13 LA community colleges are temporarily closed due to the fires, according to USA Today.
Donate here.
American Red Cross Wildfire Relief
The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles is sheltering wildfire victims and their pets at the Westwood Rec Center, as well as running a shelter for large animals and livestock at LA’s Pierce College. Donations provide impacted people with food, water, health, and emotional support services.
Donate here.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is accepting all sorts of essential items and emergency kit needs at its Southern California locations. They’re also accepting donations that go directly to first responders here.
Here’s what they’re looking for in particular:
- First aid kits
- PPE (masks, work gloves, boots, helmets)
- Bottled water
- Blankets, pillows
- Socks, underwear
- Boxes, garbage bags
- Mops, brooms, rakes, rags, scrub brushes
- Batteries, flashlights, charging cables
- Work or rain boots
- Hygiene products, soap, disinfectants, hand sanitizer, laundry detergent
- Baby care items, formula, diapers, rash cream
- Nonperishable food items and snacks
- Hand tools, nails
- Children’s books, toys
Featured image credit: Richard Vogel / AP.
