The worst wildfire in Los Angeles County’s history is still raging after three days of destruction. Nearly 30,000 acres have burned across Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst, reducing 2,000 structures–businesses, homes, schools–to rubble. Currently, 130,000 residents are under evacuation order and at least five people have died. Although winds have temporarily weakened, fire weather continues and is expected to pick back up tonight. Our SoCal neighbors need our help.
Here’s what you can do to support people and pets affected by the Pacific Palisades fires. We’ll continue to update this list as more info comes in. Email us at [email protected] if you know of additional opportunities to donate or volunteer.
Where to Donate Financially
- Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is distributing critical equipment and supplies, like hydration backpacks and emergency fire shelters, to Los Angeles Fire Department workers.
- California Fire Foundation works with local fire agencies and organizations to provide immediate and ongoing financial assistance to people affected by the fires, including firefighters and their families.
- American Red Cross disaster teams have mobilized to provide safe shelter, food, emotional support, and other relief services to wildfire victims. American Red Cross is also transporting supplies like cots, blankets, and water to emergency shelters.
- The Salvation Army is on the ground operating emergency shelters, distributing food, and addressing other immediate needs for people affected by the fires, including firefighters and first responders.
- Direct Relief is distributing N95s, medicine, and medical supplies to healthcare workers and impacted communities.
- GlobalGiving’s California Wildfire Relief Fund supports vetted nonprofits that provide food, water, and shelter to affected people and animals.
- California Community Foundation focuses on long-term recovery efforts that help underserved communities rebuild.
- GoFundMe created a centralized hub where you can find verified fundraisers related to the wildfires.
- Baby2Baby is distributing diapers, food, formula, and personal care items to families impacted by the fires.
- Pasadena Humane is assisting with animal evacuations and providing shelter for hundreds of pets.
- World Central Kitchen is working with restaurant and food truck partners to distribute meals to first responders and impacted families.
- LA Animal Services is now over capacity and needs support to help more displaced pets.
- This Is About Humanity is matching donations up to $50,000 to support migrant farm workers, day laborers, and other essential workers affected by the Los Angeles fires.
Before you give, consider looking up the organization on charitynavigator.org, which rates the legitimacy of nonprofits.
Where to Volunteer or Donate Supplies
Organizations in San Diego
- Donate blood. Blood banks in affected areas will close, and regular donors in Los Angeles won’t be able to give. You can help replenish SoCal’s supply by giving blood at San Diego Blood Bank, which serves hospitals in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties.
- Foster an animal. San Diego Humane Society is helping Pasadena Humane with evacuation efforts, and will be transporting dozens of displaced pets to San Diego. SDHS needs the community’s help to clear shelter space. If you can foster a dog or cat, visit sdhumane.org/foster. Bunny World Foundation is also looking for temporary foster homes for bunnies. Email [email protected] if you can foster, or shop their Amazon wish list here.
- Donate supplies. ICA San Diego / North is hosting a donation drop-off site to support relief organizations serving Los Angeles County. Needed donation items include toiletries, hygiene products, non-perishable food, water, pet food, first aid supplies, masks, insulin, EpiPens, albuterol, storage boxes, batteries, and clothing for both adults and children. ICA North will begin accepting donations on Friday, January 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Donate pet supplies. San Diego Humane Society accepts supplies at any of their campuses from Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The most helpful items to donate to the San Diego Humane Society are:
- Shelf-stable pet food (new bags and cans, or opened bags in the original packaging)
- New pet supplies (collars, litter, pee pads, flea medication, beds, brushes, treats, toys, etc.)
- New or gently used blankets, pillowcases, flat sheets, towels (washed with no holes or stains)
- New or gently used X-pens or crates
- Clean and gently used fur items (coats, shawls, etc.)
- Cardboard box tops or trays (repurposed for disposable litter boxes)
- Newspapers
- Items from the organization’s Amazon or Chewy wish lists
Organizations in Los Angeles
- The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is accepting food donations at its two distribution centers.
- The Dream Center is in need of in-person volunteers to help receive and distribute supplies, prep hot meals, sort clothes, and more.
How to Stay Informed and Prepare for Wildfires
- Download Watch Duty to stay up-to-date on nearby fires and evacuation notices.
- Download SD Emergency to get San Diego-specific emergency notifications.
- Memorize The 6 P’s of Fire Evacuation: What to Prioritize in the Event of a Fire.
- People and pets
- Papers, phone numbers, and important documents
- Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses
- Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia
- Personal computer hard drive and disk
- Plastic (credit/debit cards) and cash
Source: Los Angeles Fire Department
Places Offering Shelter Assistance
- The San Diego Tourism Authority has compiled a list of hotels that are offering discounted rates for people affected by the fires. See the full list here, and check back; it’ll be regularly updated.
- Love Living Management is also providing discounts on furnished housing in San Diego County.
