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How You Can Help Southern California Amidst Wildfires

With thousands evacuated or facing losses due to wildfires in the Los Angeles area, here are community and environmental groups you can support.

By Earthjustice

Strong winds blow embers around firefighters battling the Eaton Fire, as many homes burn on Jan. 7, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif.
Strong winds blow embers around firefighters battling to save homes in Pasadena, Calif., from the Eaton Fire on Jan. 7, 2025. (David McNew / Getty Images)
January 8, 2025

Tens of thousands of people living in Southern California are under evacuation orders as multiple wildfires burn through the Los Angeles area. These fires, caused by strong winds and fueled by increasingly dry vegetation, have devastated a number of communities that have lost homes and businesses. The full extent of the damage and potential loss of life is still unknown.

Climate scientist Daniel Swain attributed the explosive nature of these fires in Southern California to not just the seasonal high winds but a record dry start to the winter season following a period of heavy rainfall in earlier seasons. Climate change is linked to oscillating states of unnaturally high rainfall feeding vegetation growth and states of drought that turn the vegetation to flame-fueling dry brush. In other words, more tinder is being created, increasing the risk for extreme wildfires during dry periods.

Our thoughts go out to Los Angeles communities devastated by these deadly wildfires. In the midst of this disaster, Southern California communities need our support. If you would like to learn more about other organizations and individuals in the region doing good work, and how you can support them, check out the list of resources and links below.

Fire and Evacuation Information:

  • CAL FIRE incidents page: Official information from California’s state fire agency.
  • Los Angeles County emergency site: Activated for the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, and other wildfires with real time information on evacuation and shelter.
  • Watch Duty: A nonprofit providing vital information and alerts about wildfires and firefighting efforts in real-time.
  • Wildfire mapping expert Zeke Lunder’s The Lookout.org and livestreams: California wildfire mapping and analysis.

Community Support:

  • Direct Relief: A Southern California-based relief organization that does disaster relief work all around the world and is providing support in LA too.
  • American Red Cross: On the ground support to Southern California residents helping to provide safe shelter, food, emotional support, and health services.
  • Salvation Army – Southern California Division: Operates a disaster services fund that supports evacuees and first responders of California wildfires.
  • Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: Provides equipment for firefighters and funds critical programs to help the Los Angeles Fire Department protect communities and save lives.
  • California Fire Foundation: Works with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide ongoing support to California communities affected by wildfires and other natural disasters.
  • California Community Foundation: Working to strengthen Los Angeles County since 1915, the organization’s Wildfire Recovery Fund targets the most underserved and hard-to-reach communities in the region.