Strong winds from Santa Ana are fueling wildfires across Southern California, forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes.
Firefighters are fighting six separate bushfires suddenly, everyone was on zero hold as of Wednesday evening local time.
A person uses a garden hose to save a neighboring home from catching fire during the Eaton fire on January 8, 2025 in Altadena, California.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
The Palisades fire has spread to nearly 16,000 acres, the Easton fire has burned more than 10,000 acres, the Hurst fire has affected at least 700 acres, the Lidia fire has burned more than 80 acres, and the Sunset Fire in the famous Hollywood Hills. It crossed 10 hectares, according to Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The Woodley fire, which burned 30 acres, was fully contained as of Wednesday afternoon local time.
At least 1,000 buildings were destroyed in the Palisades Fire, officials said. Evacuation orders were issued in areas surrounding the bushfires.
At least five people were killed in the fires, and many others were injured, according to authorities. Nearly 1.2 million people were without power in California, including more than 950,000 in Los Angeles County, as of Wednesday afternoon.
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said at a news conference that despite Northern California’s pre-positioning of resources, the agency was “not prepared for this type of disaster.”
President Joe Biden has signed a disaster declaration for California at the request of Governor Gavin Newsom, who declared a state of emergency on Tuesday night.
Here’s how you can help those affected by the fires:
Red Cross
The American Red Cross has hundreds of volunteers deployed to Los Angeles to help meet the needs of those displaced by the fire.
The agency currently has four shelters and plans to add more if 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 downed trees, the air quality is deteriorating. That’s affecting thousands and thousands of people in Los Angeles.”
The Red Cross provides emergency relief to residents and families affected by disasters, providing meals, medical care, and a safe place to shower and sleep.
Click on here to donate
Salvation the army
The Salvation Army is able to provide assistance by providing water, food and emergency supplies.
The agency provides long-term recovery support and emergency support.
Click on here to learn more
The Central Kitchen of the World
World Central Kitchen’s emergency response team is able to assist those affected by the wildfires, as well as first responders, in Southern California.
According to the agency, groups have been mobilized to bring meals to those in need.
Click on here to learn more
Airbnb
Airbnb.org is offering temporary housing for those displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires.
The company is working with 211 LA, which provides free housing in Los Angeles County, to coordinate the housing effort.
Click on here for more information.
California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund
The California Fire Foundation works with community organizations and local fire agencies to provide financial assistance to residents affected by wildfires.
Click on here to learn more
CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation
The CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation provides funding to firefighters and their families to help them recover from injuries and hardships.
Click on here to learn more
Forest Fire Recovery Fund
The California Community Foundation has worked to support Los Angeles County since 1915.
The agency’s Fire Recovery Fund targets hard-to-reach nearby communities in hopes of providing long-term recovery relief.
Click on here to learn more
