The Palisades Fire has burned 17,230+ acres of land, and the Eaton Fire has spread across 10,600+ acres. Both are currently 0% contained. Firefighters in California are battling six active fires – Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, Sunset, and Woodley.
Authorities reported that 180,000+ residents in Los Angeles are under evacuation orders, with an additional 200,000 under evacuation warnings. Homes and businesses have been damaged with over 1,000 structures destroyed. 70,000 people are estimated to be without power. The fires are anticipated to grow as high winds continue in the area.
How to help those affected by the Los Angeles Fires
Foundations supporting relief efforts:
California Community Foundation: Grants from California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund are made to local organizations offering direct services. Additionally, a large portion of grants go to local community foundations, which in turn provide funding to partner organizations positioned in the areas they serve.
California Fire Foundation: The California Fire Foundation is working with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide direct financial support to impacted residents as details of damage emerge.
CAL Fire Benevolent Fund: The CAL Benevolent Fund supports California firefighters and their families, helping them recover from injury or loss of life.
Center for Disaster Philanthropy: CDP distributes grants to nonprofits and community groups throughout California, helping families and neighborhoods recover. Their targeted grantmaking prioritizes medium to long-term recovery efforts, especially among populations made vulnerable by systemic inequities.
Kern Community Foundation: The Kern Community Foundation has established the Borel Fire Relief Fund to address the Kern River Valley’s recovery needs in the aftermath of the Borel Fire.
Pasadena Community Foundation: The Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) has opened the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund offering a way to support immediate and longer-term recovery needs. PCF has seeded the fund with an initial $100,000.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation is seeking funds to equip LAFD firefighters battling wildfires with supplies including emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks, and wildland brush tools.
United Way of Los Angeles: The United Way of Los Angeles is focusing on long-term recovery efforts and is working with community organizations to assess needs on the ground.
Nonprofit Agencies providing aid:
The following are some of the nonprofit agencies providing immediate assistance to those who have been affected by the Los Angeles fires.
American Red Cross: American Red Cross is staffing evacuation centers and providing much-needed supplies.
Baby2Baby: Baby2Baby is responding to the devastating wildfires by giving care items including diapers, food, formula, and hygiene products to children and families who’ve lost everything.
Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE): CORE is deploying an emergency response team to support those near the fires, where air quality is a major concern. CORE is distributing masks, go-kits, hygiene kits, and other protective and educational resources.
Convoy of Hope: Convoy of Hope is delivering relief supplies to the affected areas. Convoy of Hope teams are in communication with partners in the area to assess and meet the needs of people devastated by the fires.
Direct Relief: Direct Relief is deploying medical aid, including emergency medical supplies for first responders and displaced residents, and respiratory protection equipment, including N95 respirators, to mitigate health risks from smoke exposure.
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM): GEM USA West branch is bringing critical supplies to those affected as well as first responders.
Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation: The Foundation is providing shelter for evacuated pets.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is working with government agencies, nonprofit and faith-based partners, and others to respond to the fires throughout Los Angeles County.
Pasadena Humane: Humane has taken in over 300 animals due to evacuations and staff and volunteers are working nonstop to help with their care. Animals are being treated in the ICU and provided with pain medications, wound care, fluid, and oxygen as needed. Pasadena Humane’s biggest need is monetary donations to help provide emergency resources to animals affected by the wildfires.
Salvation Army: Salvation Army teams are deployed across affected areas providing emergency relief and long-term recovery assistance.
World Central Kitchen (WCK): Teams have mobilized across the region to provide food and water. Several WCK Chef Corps members are on standby, ready to provide comforting meals.
