Los Angeles Fires: Donations, Relief Efforts and How to Help Fire Victims

Communities across LA County have been devastated by fires. There’s more than one way you can help.

Macy Meyer is a North Carolina native who graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BA in English and a second BA in Journalism. Macy is a Writer on the CNET How-To team, covering a variety of topics, including home security, fitness and nutrition, smart home tech and more. In each article, Macy helps readers get the most out of their home, tech and wellness. When Macy isn’t writing, she’s volunteering, traveling, walking her dog, Holden, or watching sports.

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Macy has been working for CNET for coming on 2 years. Prior to CNET, Macy received a North Carolina College Media Association award in sports writing. For days now, Los Angeles County fires have raged across communities and destroyed more than 27,000 acres and 2,000 homes, businesses and other structures. The fires have displaced thousands of people as they escape the blazes for safety. 

For those interested in helping with relief efforts, we’ve rounded up resources for those in need, organizations you can donate to and ways to support those who are dealing with the devastation caused by these fires.

Read more: Amid LA Fires, the Watch Duty App Provides Timely Info on Wildfire Conditions

We created this list from evaluations on Charity Navigator, which rates charities based on their financial health, accountability and transparency. Charity Navigator has assigned a “Give With Confidence” designation to the organizations listed below. Before you donate, you should make sure that a given charity aligns with your values and that the donation is being used in ways you’d like. Charity Navigator has also compiled a list of highly rated charities that are providing relief and recovery to those impacted by the Palisades, Eaton and other LA-area wildfires.

For more information, see our guide on how to vet a charity.

American Red CrossThe American Red Cross is engaging in wildfire relief efforts to shelter families, serve meals, support emergency responders, provide medical care and deliver emergency relief supplies. You can volunteer with the American Red Cross or make a financial donation. Learn about how your gift helps with wildfire relief here. 

Baby2BabyBaby2Baby is providing diapers, food, formula and critical hygiene items to children and families impacted by the fires. You can make a donation or look for volunteer opportunities here. 

California Community FoundationCalifornia Community Foundation is providing critical funding to nonprofits aiding fire recovery and rebuilding efforts. You can find out more about this initiative and how to contribute here. 

California Fire FoundationCalifornia Fire Foundation is giving aid to victims with immediate financial assistance. You can donate to wildfire and disaster relief here.

Direct ReliefDirect Relief is mobilizing to deliver important medical supplies and financial aid to health facilities serving those impacted by the raging fires across LA County. 

Los Angeles Fire Department FoundationThe Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is providing critical equipment, technology and emergency resources to support LAFD crews battling the fires. You can make a donation here.

Los Angeles Regional Food BankLos Angeles Regional Food Bank is providing emergency food assistance to families and residents impacted by the fires blazing across LA County. The Food Bank is accepting food donations at our two distribution centers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. located at:

1734 East 41st Street Los Angeles, CA 900582300 Pellissier Place Industry, CA 90601You can learn more about the fire relief efforts here.

Pasadena HumaneFires also impact animals. Pasadena Humane is rescuing, sheltering and reuniting pets with their owners displayed by the wildfires in Southern California.

United Way of Ventura CountyConsider making a financial donation to help with immediate and longterm relief for communities impacted by the Palisades Fire.

Other ways to help and stay safe
From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated.

Here are some other ways to assist with fire relief efforts beyond donating money or supplies:

Avoid traveling to Southern California, even if you’re trying to help. Research local churches or faith-based organizations that may be accepting donations or supplies. Text rather than call. Emergency management is urging you to only call when necessary. Texting will leave the lines open for emergency communications. Foster or adopt animals from shelters to create space for pets coming in from fire-impacted communities.Reach out to people you know who live in Southern California and who may be affected by concern, smoke and fire damage