As you undoubtedly know, Los Angeles County has suffered massive wildfires this week. The fires have destroyed thousands of acres and forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, and smoke from the fires is causing widespread air quality alerts for those in and around LA. The crisis is ongoing, and many stories are developing simultaneously. Keep reading for an overview of what’s happening and how you can help those affected.
What is the current status of the wildfires in LA?
According to Cal Fire, there are currently 92 wildfires, but five major ones of more than 10 acres burning at the time. You can check for updates and a map of the fires on Cal Fire’s website here.. Over 29,000 acres have burned across the county, and over 5,000 structures have been destroyed.
Much of LA and Ventura Counties are under a red flag warning until 6:00 pm on Friday according to the NWS. A red flag warning means weather conditions could lead to rapidly spreading and dangerous fires.
Containment percentages as of Thursday, January 9:
- Palisades: 0%
- Eaton: 0%
- Hurst: 10%
- Lidia: 60%
- Sunset: 0%
How did the wildfires start?
Officials have cited the high winds leading to the rapid spread of fires. The winds provide oxygen to fuel the flames and push the fires away from the starting point, making them more difficult to contain.
How do wildfires affect air quality?
Smoke from the fires causes major changes in air quality. NWS has issued an air quality alert until Thursday at midnight for the following areas: Santa Monica Mountains, the Los Angeles County Valleys including Calabasas and Agoura Hills, and the Los Angeles County coastal areas. Smoke and haze from the fires are forecasted to reach as far as Santa Cruz, just south of San Francisco.
How to help
While we may be far from the fires, there are still ways to help those in Southern California affected by the horrifying fires. Many local organizations are accepting donations online. Even small contributions can help those in need and the first responders on the scene working to help their communities. If you are looking for someone impacted by the fires you can’t reach, contact the Red Cross at (800) 675-5799.
Los Angeles Fire Department: Donations will help not only keep firefighters safe but help them work efficiently. Donate here.
Local GoFundMe: To donate directly to those affected, you can find a list of verified fundraisers compiled by GoFundMe. See the list of campaigns here.
Mutual Aid Groups: Many mutual aid groups are searching for volunteers or supplies that may be hard to provide from a distance, but we still recommend checking out this extensive spreadsheet with mutual aid groups in LA. There may be ways you can help these local organizations, even from the Bay area.
Seconds Market: Typically, Seconds Market facilitates second-hand clothing markets, but the organization has created an application for people to donate clothing directly to those in need. You’ll be matched based on our age and size group with someone in LA. Learn more here.
California Fire Foundation: The California Fire Foundation partners with multiple organizations to help victims and first responders during the fires. You can donate online here.
CORE: Community Organized Relief Effort is a global organization that not only helps with immediate relief efforts but focuses on long-term recovery for communities in need. The organization is accepting donations for the Southern California Fires here, and you can either make a one-time donation or monthly contribution.
Pasadena Humane Society: Unfortunately, many animals are lost from their owners during the fires, and the Pasadena Humane Society is working to care for the animals and reunite them with their families. The organization currently is in need of monetary donations, and you can giveonline here. You can also donate supplies via the Humane Society’s online wish list.