How to Help Victims of the L.A. Wildfires
Over 30,000 Los Angeles–area residents have evacuated their homes and at least two people have been killed as the devastating wildfires that broke out Tuesday afternoon sweep through Southern California, destroying homes and covering roads in soot. According to the New York Times, the largest of the fires, in the Pacific Palisades — which has burned more than 2,900 acres of the coastal neighborhood — had yet to be contained as of Tuesday night and is expected to grow throughout the day on Wednesday. Blazes have also broken out north of San Fernando, in Altadena and the Sepulveda Basin, fanned by what firefighters are calling “tornado-like” winds. On the roads between Malibu and Santa Monica, many residents were forced to abandon their cars, and fire officials used a bulldozer to move vehicles that blocked traffic, according to CNN. The Times reports that an “unknown number” of homes have been destroyed along the Pacific Coast, with more structures expected to be lost. Meanwhile, at least 150,000 homes and buildings are without power in the country — Southern California Edison, the area’s electric company, has deliberately shut it off to prevent further fires.
“This is going to be devastating, a devastating loss, for all of Los Angeles,” L.A. councilwoman Traci Park said in a statement, per the Times. If you’re able, here’s how to help.
Donate to the Dream Center, an L.A.-based charitable organization that’s offering emergency shelter to those evacuated in the Palisades and Eaton Canyon Fires.
Donate to Friends in Deed, a nonprofit providing services for the homeless, as it opens its Bad Weather Shelter amid the fires.
The California Fire Foundation provides resources to firefighters, fallen firefighters, their families and the communities they serve.
Donate to Direct Relief’s California Fire Relief, which provides N-95 masks, medicine, and resources to health-care agencies and first responders in areas affected by wildfires.
The California Community Fund has a recovery fund dedicated to helping victims of wildfires. You can donate here.
Donate to the Wildfire Relief Fund at the American Red Cross.
If you’re located in the Los Angeles area and can offer temporary foster care to dogs displaced by the wildfires, sign up at the Canine Rescue Club.
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