Dry conditions and strong winds continue to fuel several wildfires burning across Los Angeles, forcing over 130,000 residents to flee their homes. The Palisades Fire has been named the most destructive fire in L.A. history after burning more than 17,200 acres, or roughly 27 square miles. Since it began on January 7, the California wildfire has destroyed almost 2,000 structures and is entirely uncontained.
Beyond the Palisades Fire, Los Angeles firefighters are currently battling five other major wildfires: the Easton Fire has charred more than 10,000 acres; the Hurst Fire, at least 700 acres; and the Sunset Fire, which broke out Wednesday night in the Hollywood Hills, has burned over 60 acres and is threatening iconic Hollywood landmarks, according to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. As of Thursday morning, these four fires remain at zero containment.
As a Southern California native now living in New Jersey, it’s heart-wrenching to watch my home city be destroyed by the Los Angeles fires, and it is surreal to be 2500 miles away from family, friends, and loved ones who are being evacuated and fighting the fire. I feel like I have more to give to LA fire victims than thoughts and prayers, especially now that firefighters are battling six separate brush fires at once. The effects of these Los Angeles wildfires are widespread and devastating, but there are plenty of ways to help victims no matter where you are.
How can I help victims of the LA fires?
Regardless of your location, there are plenty of incredible organizations and efforts that you can contribute to and help victims of the Los Angeles fires. Whether it’s national relief organizations or local restaurants, many communities have rallied together to provide support to residents and first responders as they flee to safety and begin to recover and rebuild.
Donate to relief organizations
Dozens of nonprofits are organizing efforts to help communities affected by the six California wildfires, both in Los Angeles and across the United States. The Red Cross is providing emergency relief to residents and families by providing meals, medical care, and a safe place to shower and sleep — just text REDCROSS to “90999” or visit their website. Similarly, the Salvation Army’s Southern California Division is providing immediate food, shelter, and personal necessities to first responders and victims of the wildfires, as well as long-term relief.
On a local level, the California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund is collaborating with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide financial support for residents who are impacted by the fires. Airbnb is also partnering with 211 LA to offer temporary housing to those affected by Los Angeles wildfires, and is accepting donations to help cover the costs of stays.
Meanwhile, the United States nonprofit World Central Kitchen is partnering with local restaurants and food trucks to continue to provide food at the Pasadena Convention Center, which is a major evacuation center. According to the agency, World Central Kitchen’s relief teams have mobilized to bring in meals to first responders and evacuees who are in need of help.
The fastest way to aid those affected is to donate money, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, since organizations on the ground know what items are needed and can purchase through businesses local to the disaster, to support economic recovery.. If you’ve started your winter quarter or spring semester and are back on campus, you can contact school administration and ask about hosting a fundraiser on campus to aid relief efforts. Bake sales, raffles, or donation jars on and around campus are simple ways to raise money for humanitarian efforts and non-profit organizations (plus, many on-campus organizations may want to partner with you.) Just be sure to get permission from campus officials and any necessary administration before hosting any events.
Buy a meal for firefighters and first responders
In addition to donating to food banks and relief organizations that provide food and financial assistance to first responders, you can buy meals to be sent directly to firefighters. Malibu restaurant Le Great Outdoor is preparing fresh meals, which will be delivered to emergency sites twice a day. If you sponsor a meal, Le Great Outdoor will match it.
Help pay workers’ wages while their restaurant recovers
One of the restaurants that burned in the Palisades Fire is the beloved fish market The Reel Inn Malibu, which has been a PCH landmark for 36 years. The restaurant’s owner, Teddy Seraphine-Leonard, started a GoFundMe page asking to raise three months of wages, benefits, and support for the staff and team to ensure that employees have financial stability during this challenging time.
Cholada Thai, Reel Inn’s neighbor, also has a GoFundMe page for recovery efforts to help rebuild the 25-year-old restaurant.
Donate to a food bank
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is accepting food donations at two of its California distribution centers and working with over 600 partner organizations to assess needs during the SoCal wildfire emergency. If you are located in LA County, you can bring non-perishable goods from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to locations in Industry City and on East 41st Street, or sign up to volunteer. If you aren’t in the area, the food bank is also accepting monetary donations via its website.
If you attend school in another part of the country, you can still support food banks in affected communities with direct donations and monetary contributions, which can help purchase additional food or help buy gas for food delivery trucks. In addition to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, you can find additional food banks to donate to via Feeding America.
If you are on a college budget, remember that no donation is too small — it only takes a few dollars to buy a meal or food for someone in need. (According to LA Food Bank, $25 can buy up to 100 meals.) You can also partner with friends, family, and other community members to donate large sums, or send links to donation sites to help spread awareness for aid efforts.
The Los Angeles wildfires are raging on, and it’s important to keep in mind that recovery efforts are ongoing beyond the fire being contained. As LA County and Southern California rebuilds, remember to continue to provide support when you can.