Here's how to help wildfire victims as California blazes explode in size

Tens of thousands of California residents were forced to flee from their homes.

January 22, 2025, 8:00 PM

Strong Santa Ana winds have fueled multiple wildfires burning across Southern California, forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee from their homes.

Thousands of firefighters are actively battling three major brush fires at once in Los Angeles County.

The Palisades Fire, said to be the fourth most destructive fire in California's history, has spread across more than 23,000 acres and is currently at 68% containment, according to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The Eaton Fire, being billed as the second most destructive fire in the state and the most damaging fire on record in Los Angeles, has charred more than 14,000 acres and is currently at 91% containment.

The Hughes Fire is burning across more than 9,000 acres and is 0% contained.

At least 28 fire-related deaths are being investigated by the Los Angeles County medical examiner, with many others sustaining injuries, according to officials. The death toll is expected to rise.

President Joe Biden signed a disaster declaration for California at the request of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who declared a state of emergency on Jan. 7.

Here's how you can help those affected by the wildfires:

California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund

The California Fire Foundation works with community-based organizations and local fire agencies to offer financial support for residents who are impacted by the fires.

Click here to learn more.

Wildfire Recovery Fund

The California Community Foundation has worked to help Los Angeles County since 1915.

The agency's Wildfire Recovery Fund targets hard to reach communities in the area with the intent of providing long-term recovery relief.

Click here to learn more.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is working with government agencies, nonprofit and faith-based organizations to distribute food and other essentials to those displaced by the wildfires with meals.

Click here to learn more.

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides vital equipment for firefighters and funds programs that are critical to help the agency continue to protect communities and save lives.

Click here to learn more.

Mercy Chefs

Mercy Chefs is a nonprofit organization specializing in disaster relief to provide meals to victims, firefighters, first responders and volunteers.

The organization has provided more than 28 million restaurant-quality meals across the country and around the world.

Click here to learn more.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is able to provide assistance by delivering water, food and emergency supplies.

The agency offers both long-term recovery assistance and emergency relief.

Click here to learn more.

World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen's relief team is able to support those impacted by the wildfires, as well as first responders, in Southern California.

According to the agency, teams have mobilized to bring in meals to those who are in need of help.

Click here to learn more.

Airbnb

Airbnb.org is offering temporary housing for those displaced by the fires in the Los Angeles area.

The company is working with 211 LA, which offers free housing in Los Angeles County, to coordinate the housing effort.

Click here for more information.

CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation

The CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation provides funding for firefighters and their families to help them recover from injuries and hardship.

Click here to learn more.

Global Empowerment Mission

The Global Empowerment Mission works to provide emergency aid supplies to those in need, such as nonperishable food items, hygiene products and water. They also provide generators, medical supplies and temporary shelters.

Click here to learn more.

Baby2Baby

Baby2Baby is a nonprofit organization that supports children across the country with basic essentials, diapers and clothing.

The organization has said it's already delivered 1 million emergency supplies for families impacted by the fires at shelters and will continue helping in the weeks and months to come.

Click here to learn more.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has hundreds of volunteers deploying to Los Angeles to assist with emergent needs of those displaced by the fire.

The agency currently has four shelters in place and plans to add more as needed, according to Los Angeles regional executive director Joanne Nowlin.

"This is significant," Nowlin told ABC News. "It's not just the fire, but you've got wind damage, you've got power outages, you've got trees falling, deteriorating air quality. This is impacting thousands and thousands of folks in Los Angeles."

The American Red Cross provides emergency relief to residents and families impacted by disasters, providing meals, medical care and a safe place to shower and sleep.

Click here to learn more.

Related Topics