Wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, with tens of thousands of residents evacuated in Los Angeles County and thousands of structures destroyed. Fueled by powerful winds, the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires have devastated communities, leaving residents grappling with loss and displacement. The fires have already claimed at least two lives and caused a significant number of injuries, and the largest fires were at 0 percent containment as of this morning, January 8, 2025, according to NPR.
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, noting that wildfire season is now a year-round threat in California. In this critical time, organizations are mobilizing to provide immediate and long-term relief to victims.
All hands are on deck to fight the #PalisadesFire in Southern California. California is deeply grateful for the brave firefighters & first responders battling the blaze.
We will continue to mobilize resources and support local communities as they respond to this severe weather. pic.twitter.com/JZrYy85e4z
— Governor Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 8, 2025
For Immediate Help
The American Red Cross is on the ground in Southern California, providing safe shelter, food, emotional support, and health services for those displaced by the fast-moving wildfires.
- Find a Shelter: Visit redcross.org, use the free Red Cross Emergency App, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999. Arrangements for pets and livestock are available.
- Bring Essentials: If heading to a shelter, bring medications, clothing, hygiene supplies, important documents, and items for children or those with unique needs.
- Emotional Support: Call the free 24/7 Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for multilingual support.
The Red Cross is also coordinating with local officials and community partners to ensure evacuees receive comprehensive care during this challenging time. Volunteers are distributing meals, setting up temporary housing, and providing critical mental health services to help individuals and families cope with the uncertainty of the situation. Disaster health services are available to address urgent medical needs, including replacing lost prescriptions, medical devices, and essential supplies.
The Red Cross does not require ID for shelter entry. All assistance is free and open to everyone, regardless of background or citizenship status. To support relief efforts, donate online, call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669), or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10.
Emergency Animal Shelter Information
As wildfires continue to displace residents in Los Angeles County, several shelters are available for animals affected by evacuation orders. Some shelters are offering refuge for both large and small animals, though some facilities are already at capacity. Owners are encouraged to bring food, medication, and identification for their animals. For updates, visit Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control.
More Ways to Help: Donate to Organizations on the Frontlines
In addition to the Red Cross, these are some of the organizations on the frontlines that need financial support.
California Fire Foundation: Provides direct assistance to wildfire victims and supports firefighters and their families.
World Central Kitchen: This global food relief nonprofit, founded by chef José Andrés, is on the ground in Southern California, providing meals and water to evacuees and first responders while identifying additional areas of need.
California Community Foundation: The foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund focuses on underserved communities, helping them with long-term recovery and relief efforts in Los Angeles County.
CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation: Provides financial aid to injured firefighters, families of those lost in the line of duty, and burn victims, while supporting research on firefighter health and safety.
Direct Relief: Supplies N-95 masks, respiratory medications, and other resources to healthcare agencies and first responders. Direct Relief maintains a standing inventory of items needed during wildfires, such as N-95 masks and respiratory medications.
Salvation Army: Operates a disaster services fund supporting evacuees and first responders, offering emergency relief and long-term assistance for wildfire recovery.
United Way of Greater Los Angeles: This organization partners with other Los Angeles organizations to provide longer-term recovery efforts and support the community.
Emergency Network Los Angeles: This network represents nonprofits and government entities working in community welfare and emergency management to assist those in LA facing emergencies. ENLA is a legally registered 501(c)(3) funded by grants, member dues, and donations.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: The food bank works with government agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based partners to assist those affected by the fires. It is accepting food donations between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at its two distribution centers: 1734 East 41st Street, Los Angeles, California 90058, and 2300 Pellissier Place, Industry, California 90601.
Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE): CORE is a global humanitarian organization that works with local community organizations in areas hit by disasters to provide short and long-term reliance and recovery, focusing on underserved communities.
Pasadena Humane: The animal organization is seeking pet donations, such as food and water bowls, extra-large crates, and blankets. It also needs people willing to foster animals, especially larger dogs, during the evacuations.
California Community Foundation: The organization has resources for fundholders and donors interested in supporting recovery efforts. Its Wildfire Recovery Fund supports long-term solutions for fire-prone areas to prepare for fires.
LAFD: The LAFD Foundation provides equipment and funds to support the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Pasadena Community Foundation: This organization is raising funds to support Eaton Canyon wildfire recovery.
Global Empowerment Mission: This Florida-based disaster and emergency management foundation partnered with BStrong, the cash card program, to provide evacuees with financial support so they can purchase essentials like gas, food, children’s supplies, and clothing.
Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation: This nonprofit rescues, shelters, and cares for animals displaced by the LA wildfires.
Baby2Bay: This organization provides baby essentials like diapers and formula to families throughout the Los Angeles area.
Direct Relief: This humanitarian organization provides medical supplies and funds to health facilities serving families affected by LA wildfires.
We will continue to share ways to help as the situation evolves. Stay safe, stay informed, and share verified resources and updates with your networks to amplify relief efforts. Tag us on Instagram, Threads, X, and BlueSky.
