How to help those affected by the wildfires in LA
Ongoing wildfires blazing through Los Angeles have scorched nearly 30,000 acres, destroyed over 2,000 homes and businesses, and placed at least 100,000 residents under evacuation orders.
The biggest of the blazes — a fire that lit up the Pacific Palisades, a coastal community sandwiched between Malibu and Santa Monica — sparked on Tuesday morning, closely followed by the Eaton Fire near Altadena and Pasadena and the Hurst Fire near Sylmar. On Wednesday, several fires ignited elsewhere in LA: the Lidia Fire in Acton, the Woodley Fire near Van Nuys, the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills, and the Sunswept Fire in Studio City.
While the exact cause of the fires is not yet known, extreme winds starting early on Tuesday that have seen speeds as high as 100 mph have only fuelled the flames and prevented aircraft mobility for fire fighters, limiting crews to battling the fires on the ground. Known as the Santa Ana Winds, these annual gusts are extremely strong, hot and dry, creating the perfect conditions for a fire disaster.
So far, the destruction from the simultaneous infernos has been harrowing, with the flames engulfing natural areas like Temescal Canyon and encroaching upon iconic cultural landmarks like Sunset Boulevard. Several people have been treated for burn injuries and at least five people have reportedly lost their lives. Multi-million dollar homes have also not been spared by the flames, and plenty of celebrities — including Paris Hilton, Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, Mandy Moore, Billy Crystal, and Mark Hamill — have joined the hordes of evacuees in fleeing their neighbourhoods.
Community members across the city have created this spreadsheet with information on shelters, distribution hubs and transportation, which will be continually updated. If you’re looking for more ways to help those affected, we listed a few organisations below that are offering their support.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation supports more than 3,000 local firefighters and paramedics. They accept donations to buy the proper equipment and tools for firefighters to effectively battle wildfires.
California Fire Foundation
The California Fire Foundation is a nonprofit that provides support to firefighters and loved ones of fallen firefighters. They are currently accepting donations, which they will use to work with local fire agencies and other community-based organisations.
GoFundMe
GoFundMe has rounded up verified fundraisers related to the LA wildfires, including fundraisers for people who have lost their homes and belongings.
American Red Cross
American Red Cross responds to fire disasters by providing support to first responders, ensuring shelter and food access to victims, delivering relief supplies, and offering medical care.
Dream Center
This Los Angeles-based community organisation is currently operating an evacuation centre for those who had to flee their homes.
Visit the website
National Day Laborer Organising Network
This organisation works with day labourers, migrants and low-wage workers to tackle issues related to inequality and civil rights. They are currently holding a fundraiser to support immigrant day labourers, undocumented workers, and mixed-status families who have been displaced by the fires and who may otherwise face uncertainty when seeking emergency services.
Friends in Deed
Friends in Deed is a Pasadena-based nonprofit that provides support to homeless and at-risk community members. They are currently operating a shelter for those experiencing homelessness.
Ktown for All
Ktown for All is a volunteer-run community organisation that supports and advocates for those experiencing homelessness in LA’s Koreatown. They are looking for volunteers and collecting donations in order to distribute masks, tarps, tents and other equipment to the city’s homeless neighbours.
Baby2Baby
This nonprofit focuses on delivering essential items to children living in poverty across the country. Right now, they are directing their efforts to families who have lost their homes in the LA fires, providing critical supplies like diapers, formula, and hygiene products.
International Medical Corps
International Medical Corps is a first responder organisation that supports communities facing conflict, disaster or disease. Right now, the organisation is working to provide hygiene and first-aid kits to those affected by the fires.
Americares
Americares is a health-focused organisation that responds to natural disasters and humanitarian crises. They are currently working on providing essential medicines, supplies, hygiene kits and first aid to those affected by the LA fires.
Canine Rescue Club
The Canine Rescue Club is currently looking for those who are able to foster pets displaced by the wildfires.
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