Strong Santa Ana winds are fueling multiple wildfires burning across Southern California, forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee from their homes.
Thousands of firefighters are actively battling three brush fires at once.
A person uses a garden hose in an effort to save a neighboring home from catching fire during the Eaton Fire, Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, California.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
The Palisades Fire, said to be one of the most destructive natural disasters in Los Angeles history, has spread across more than 23,000 acres and is currently at 14% containment, according to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The Eaton Fire has charred more than 14,000 acres and is currently at 33% containment and the Hurst Fire, impacting more than 700 acres, remains at 97% containment.
Firefighters have fully contained the Woodley Fire, the Sunset Fire, the Lidia Fire, the Kenneth Fire and the Archer Fire.
At least 24 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.
More than 12,000 structures were destroyed in the Palisades and Eaton fires, officials said.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said during a press conference that despite prepositioning resources from Northern California, the agencies were “not prepared for this type of widespread disaster.”
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:
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 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 donate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Feeding America
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.
Mercy Chefs
Mercy Chefs is a nonprofit organization that specializes 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.
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Publish date : 2025-01-13 13:57:00
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