How to Help the Communities Devastated By the LA Wildfires

Wildfires continue to rage throughout California and the situation remains dire in Los Angeles. Massive winds have caused the blaze to explode in size and burn out of control throughout the Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and other communities since last Tuesday, burning thousands of acres and leaving several dead as firefighters have struggled to combat the disaster. The impact is being felt throughout communities, including the film industry, which is grinding to a halt in the area.

At a time like this, though, everything takes a backseat to the relief effort. Hundreds of organizations, from animal shelters to restaurants, churches, and more, are currently hard at work to not only combat the fires but also ensure that those living in the area have everything they need to stay safe and secure during the crisis. These groups can’t do it alone though. For our part, Collider, through our parent company Valnet, will be donating $75,000 to the firefighting and relief effort through two funds: EIF and the American Red Cross.

Many of the biggest organizations working on the ground have ways for you to donate to help them deploy more resources to the people who need them most. Whether you live in or around Los Angeles, across the country or even the world, there are plenty of options to provide assistance that we’d like to share with all who can support those affected by the fires. We’d also like to provide some updates on the fires’ impact and key resources for staying safe if you’re in the area.

How to Donate to the LA Wildfire Relief Effort

To get some help fighting the blaze on the ground, the LA Fire Department is running a campaign to raise money for extra equipment. On their list of needed tools are personal fire shelters built to shield firefighters temporarily when they become overwhelmed by the flames, hydration backpacks for remaining healthy on the front lines, and brush tools to clear any natural fuel sources or barriers that make their jobs harder. As always, the Red Cross is also doing its part to set up shelters and provide food, water, health services, and emotional support. They’ve even made arrangements for any furry friends to stay safe along with their families. Ways to reach out and donate are available on the official website. Finally, GoFundMe has an ever-expanding page dedicated to fundraisers for individual families who have been affected by the fires if you want to directly donate to anyone who has lost their home or has generally seen their life disastrously altered.

For more direct support if you’re in the area, the MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources spreadsheet lays out many of the places that are opening their doors to those affected. Some, like the Pasadena Convention Center and El Camino Real Charter High School, offer shelter, though others host services that range from animal boarding to supplying and providing information. Listed alongside the addresses and what they offer are their needs. If you are safe and have food, other items, or time to spare, the list is a perfect resource to find where you can make the most impact on a local scale. The Salvation Army is also providing emergency relief to impacted Californians, and you can donate directly here. You can also contribute to the California Wildlife Relief Fund via GlobalGiving.

How Have LA and Surrounding Communities Been Affected By the Fires?

For some context on the impact, since the fires broke out, the death toll in Los Angeles has risen to 25, including 16 connected to the Eaton fire in Altadena and nine from the Palisades fire. The blazes now register as the second and fourth most destructive in the city’s history and, though firefighters are gaining ground, progress has been slow in containing both. News agencies have reported that, as of Thursday morning, the Pacific fire burned 23,713 acres and was 21% contained, while the Eaton fire has been 45% contained with 14,117 acres burned. Together, the fires have destroyed over 12,000 structures with Eaton, despite its smaller perimeter, wreaking more havoc on buildings, particularly within the Altadena neighborhood. Worst of all is the fact that the vast majority of structures decimated were homes, with entire communities going up in flames from mobile homes to mansions. Governor Gavin Newsom has worked to jump-start the cleanup effort, but the impact on the area will be felt for years to come.

The good news is that people around the country and beyond have responded in force to this disaster. In addition to charity auctions and pledges from celebrities, executives, and more, over $100 million has already been donated through GoFundMe alone. Our neighbors in Mexico and Canada have also joined the fight by sending firefighters to California as reinforcements, with even Ukraine offering to send a team if needed.

How to Stay Safe and Up to Date During the Ongoing Fires

As the situation is rapidly changing and evolving, it is important for those living in the LA and Southern California area to stay up to date on the current status of the fires. Those who need resources to do so should look to the following links:

A number of locations have been opened to shelter large and small animals. That list is being updated here. If you are one of the many individuals who need to find immediate shelter during this time, please consider the following general shelters:

General Shelters:

Westwood Recreation Center

• 1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Westwood, CA 90025
• Open for evacuees; accepts small animals. Overnight shelter available.

Ritchie Valens Recreation Center

• 10731 Laurel Canyon Blvd (Paxton), Pacoima, CA 91331
• Serving evacuees from the Hurst Fire in the Sylmar area.

Northridge Park

• 18300 Lemarsh St, Northridge, CA 91325
• Designated as an evacuation center for nearby wildfire areas.

El Camino Real Charter High School

• 15440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills

Pasadena Convention Center

• 300 E Green Street, Pasadena CA

Sepulveda Recreation Center

• 8825 Kester Avenue, Panorama City, CA

Above all else, stay safe and follow the guidance from authorities if you are caught in the affected area. If at all possible, please consider donating to at least one of the organizations listed above. Los Angeles still has a long fight ahead, but it can be made all the easier for everyone by coming together to pick up the communities in the middle of their darkest hour.