How to Help Victims of the Los Angeles Wildfires

The wildfires that continue to spread across parts of Southern California have prompted tens of thousands to evacuate, resulted in reports of fatalities and the destruction of more than 1,000 structures as of Wednesday, Jan. 8.

As the situation is still unfolding, here’s how you can help in the relief efforts for displaced residents and first responders — and how locals can also find resources to help themselves.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides emergency support for those impacted by wildlife fires — from providing basic needs such as meals and first aid to temporary housing for those who fled from a blaze or face property damage. The organization also provides donations and grants to those who have been displaced or lost their homes, belongings and/or job due to a wildfire. For more information on the Salvation Army’s wildfire relief efforts and to donate, visit their webpage. 

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The Red Cross

A gift to the Red Cross will help provide assistance such as shelter for families, delivery of relief supplies and meals and support for emergency responders. Among the organization’s previous wildfire efforts included the 2023 Hawaii wildfires and the 2018 California wildfires. To donate, visit their webpage, which also contains information on what to do before, during and after a wildfire.  

California Fire Foundation

The Sacramento-based foundation works with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to help those affected by the wildfires. Visit their page to make a donation. 

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is working with the state of California to deliver resources to the affected areas.

Those in L.A. County can apply for disaster assistance online via this link or by using the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA help line at 800-621-3362.

After one applies for relief, the request will be reviewed by FEMA. Additional inspection or information may be required. Click this link for more information about what can happen after applying for disaster assistance.

Following California Gov. Gavin Newsom's state of emergency declaration on Tuesday, Jan. 7, FEMA also approved a special grant to assist with "the mitigation, management, and control" of the fires in L.A., according to the official emergency proclamation. FEMA will also help state, local, tribal and territorial partners respond as needed.

World Central Kitchen

The organization spearheaded by Chef José Andrés has a relief team in Southern California to assist impacted first responders and families by providing them meals. To donate to WCK’s wildfire relief efforts, click here. 

Direct Relief

A humanitarian organization, Direct Relief’s previous wildfire responses in California have included providing N-95 masks, medicine and other resources to first responders and healthcare agencies. One-hundred percent of donations through the organization will go to the relief efforts for the current Southern California wildfires. For information, visit Direct Relief’s webpage. 

GoFundMe

The popular fundraising platform has launched a dedicated hub containing verified GoFundMe pages related to the California wildfires, especially for residents who have been displaced and lost their homes; GoFundMe also created its own campaign for wildfire relief and has tips for those who want to start their own fundraiser. 

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness announced that its franchisees in the L.A. area are welcoming those impacted by the wildfires into their locations free of charge (no membership needed).

Among the amenities being offered are showers and a place to rest. The offer is effective immediately and valid for one week; it expires on Jan. 15. Call your local club or click on this link.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

The food bank has set up a web page in response to the ongoing L.A. wildfires with information for people in need of food assistance as well as links to donate and volunteer. To learn more, visit this page.

Save the Children

Donations to the global humanitarian organization's Children's Emergency Fund will ensure that much-needed supplies go to children and their families affected by the fires — including hygiene kits and caregiver kits.

Instacart

In addition to waiving the delivery fee on grocery orders of $10 or more for its Los Angeles County customers, Instacart is activating Community Carts for 10 Los Angeles-area YMCAs that provide services to those affected by the disaster. To donate, click here.