Ongoing wildfires blazing through Los Angeles have scorched over 3,000 acres, destroyed over 1,000 homes and businesses, and created more than 30,000 thousand evacuees.
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, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Other fires have cropped up in Pasadena and Sylmar.
While the exact cause of the fires is not yet known, extreme winds that have seen upwards of 100 mph since Tuesday has only fueled 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 and dry, creating the perfect conditions for a fire disaster.
So far, the destruction from the fires 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 two people are reportedly dead. Multi-million dollar homes have also not been spared by the flames, and plenty of celebrities—including Mark Hamill, Eugene Levy, and Heidi Montag—have joined the hordes of evacuees in fleeing their affluent neighborhoods.
If you’re looking for ways to help those affected, we listed a few organizations below that are assisting the Los Angeles community and victims with recovery and support.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation supports over 3,000 local firefighters and paramedics. They accept donations to buy the proper equipment and tools for firefighters to effectively battle wildfires.
Visit the Website
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 organizations.
Visit the Website
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.
Visit the Website
Dream Center
This Los Angeles-based community organization is currently operating an evacuation center for those who had to flee their homes.
Visit the Website
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.
Visit the Website
Canine Rescue Club
The Canine Rescue Club is currently looking for those who are able to foster pets displaced by the wildfires.
Visit the Website
