How to Help Wildfire Victims

Wildfires have swept through the Los Angeles area, destroying thousands of building structures and displacing residents across the affected zones. Numerous outbreaks, including the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Woodley, Lidia, Sunset, and Kenneth fires, were intensified due to the strong winds.

Devastating outcomes were apparent in a matter of hours, leaving families without homes or personal belongings. In the wake of such destruction, immediate and long-term needs will be significant for those impacted. Whether it is done through donations, volunteering, or giving emotional support, if you want to help your local community our guide will help you decide where you can start make a meaningful difference. 

Immediate Ways to Help

When disaster unfolds, prompt reaction is necessary. Here are some ways you can lend out a helping hand to wildfire victims right now.

Financial Assistance

Organizations, like the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, are accepting donations. With your financial assistance, they can continue to maintain and distribute shelters, meals, and medical supplies to individuals who experienced the effects of the wildfires.

Donating Essentials

Evacuation centers often request relief supplies, like:

• Clothing
• Blankets
• Toiletries
• First aid kits
• Nonperishable food items

To learn what items you should consider bringing, be sure to check with your local shelters to see what they are in need of most.

Volunteering

Volunteering can make a significant impact as it can help manage overwhelming demands of disaster relief work. You can participate in such activities through humanitarian or nonprofit organizations. Watch out for community-specific calls for volunteers, and try to follow up on the registration instructions to prepare yourself if you are needed.

Offering Temporary Housing

If you have extra space, you can open your home to individuals who have been displaced by wildfires through Airbnb. 

General Aid and Support for Wildfire Victims

In response to these dangerous conditions, President Biden issued a major disaster declaration to aid and support wildfire victims in Southern California. This decision comes after speaking to Governor Gavin Newsom and fire officials. Humanitarian and non-profit programs have also stepped in to provide aid, like food, water, and shelter to support those who were impacted by the wildfires.

The American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has gathered several volunteers in Los Angeles to assist victims. Currently, there are four shelters in place, and more will be added as needed. Meals and emergency supplies are also given to affected residents.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is distributing food, water, and medical supplies to assist wildfire victims with long-term recovery efforts and emergency relief.

Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides financial aid to cover needs, like:

• Home repairs
• Temporary housing
• Other disaster-related damages

Wildfire victims can apply for FEMA assistance by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov to fill out and complete the application process. A helpline is available from 4 am to 10pm (PST) for any questions or concerns you may have. 

California Fire Foundation

The California Fire Foundation (CFF) gives immediate, short-term relief to wildfire survivors. Eligible individuals are typically granted gift cards in the amount of $250 through its Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program to help purchase basic necessities. However, in order to qualify, you will need to have experienced at least 25 percent of property loss due to the disaster. 

California Community Foundation

The California Community Foundation (CCF) is giving grants to local organizations that are providing direct relief to displaced individuals and families impacted by wildfires. To identify vulnerable communities, they rely on sources like CalFire and the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index to prioritize areas that require the most support. The funds are not only for immediate relief, but long-term recovery, as well. 

Rebuilding After the Wildfires

Rebuilding after the wildfires will be challenging, and will go far beyond just reconstructing homes. Although financial assistance and volunteering play an important role, the recovery process will require lasting sustainability, as well. 

Strengthening infrastructure to combat such conditions and offering mental health support are critical services needed to ensure that the communities affected are more resilient. With collective effort and compassion, we can make impactful results that can lead to a more secure and prepared future. 

To support recovery efforts, you can reach out to individuals or organizations seeking donations or volunteers that are directly contributing to rebuilding communities affected by the wildfires. 

Let Us Help with Your Wildfire Claim

If you are met with significant loss as a result of the wildfires, West Coast Trial Lawyers is here to support you through this difficult time. As these wildfires have affected thousands of people, it can be difficult on what your next steps are. With that in mind,  we welcome you to contact our wildfire attorneys by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our online contact form.

We are available 24/7 to answer phone calls and form submissions and no matter what you claim is, we will do everything we can to help.