The wind-fueled wildfires raging across Los Angeles have been described as an “unprecedented” disaster. As of Thursday afternoon, the ongoing blazes have resulted in at least five deaths, 29,000 acres of destroyed land, and wide-scale evacuations. Shortly after the initial fires broke out, California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, which effectively unlocked additional support for affected communities.
“This is a highly dangerous windstorm that’s creating extreme fire risk – and we’re not out of the woods,” Newsom said in a statement. “We’re already seeing the destructive impacts with this fire in Pacific Palisades that grew rapidly in a matter of minutes. Our deepest thanks go to our expert firefighters and first responders who jumped quickly into fighting this dangerous fire. If you’re in Southern California, please pay attention to weather reports and follow any guidance from emergency officials.”
In addition to the emergency declaration, non-profits and humanitarian groups have started mobilizing in the greater Los Angeles area. Here are some of the organizations accepting donations for displaced residents and first responders.
The Wildfire Recovery Fund supports short- and long-term relief efforts targeted at underserved communities impacted by wildfires. The organization, which provides cash, food, shelter, and other basic needs, is accepting donations here.
The Red Cross is taking monetary donations to help provide food, shelter, and emotional support for those affected by the fires. You can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999.
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is working is accepting food donations at its distribution centers as well as online donations. The organization is also seeking volunteers.
Baby2Baby aims to provide affected residents with diapers, formula, and other essentials for families in Los Angeles. You can donate to its emergency relief program here.
GoFundMe has created a Wildfire Relief Fund to support verified wildfire relief fundraisers. The fund will provide grants to humanitarian organizations and assist those directly affected by the fires.
The Pasadena Humane Society has taken in more than 300 animals affected by the fires and evacuations. In addition to sheltering services, the nonprofit provides emergency medical care to animals injured in the blazes. Click here to support the efforts.
Airbnb is working with 211 LA to provide temporary housing for those displaced residents in the Los Angeles area. Visit Arbnb.com to donate to the cause or to learn more about hosting displaced residents.
World Central Kitchen has teamed up with food trucks and emergency kitchens to feed first responders and families affected by the wildfires. The organization is accepting donations one-time or monthly donations here.
MALAN has also created an extensive spreadsheet of mutual aid resources that includes everything from shelter services and animal boarding to food and water to free hygiene products and emergency kits. You can donate to the cause here.
Below, here's also a list of restaurants that are providing food for evacuees and first responders.
