With nearly 180,000 people evacuated and almost 200,000 acres scorched, the L.A. wildfires pose one of the costliest, most destructive disasters in California’s history. The Pacific Palisades area witnessed its most destructive blaze in L.A. history, having had almost 20,000 acres burnt.

Gusty winds and dry conditions have heavily contributed to the fires’ widespread nature, making it difficult for first responders and firemen to actively and effectively put the blazes out. News outlets, government agencies, and regulatory organizations are providing frequently updated maps and live coverage tracking the wildfires’ progress, including the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Frontline Wildfire Defense System, and the LA Times. 

The damage wrought so far is beyond crushing and “devastating” doesn’t even begin to describe the loss California is facing and will face in the coming months, even years. For those of us watching and tracking the rapidly spreading flames, there are a number of ways we can support ongoing efforts to assist those in need. Here’s a couple:

Red Cross 

The Red Cross is offering shelter, food, emotional support, and other services to those affected. Hundreds of evacuees have already taken up residence in the nonprofit’s emergency shelters, and hundreds of disaster workers have been mobilized to provide supplies like water, cots and blankets to evacuees. You can donate to their efforts here, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation. 

GoFundMe

To prevent scammers and fraudsters from taking advantage of the current natural disaster, GoFundMe has created a centralized online hub with verified GoFundMe pages assisting in wildfire relief for Southern California. According to the company, its trust and safety teams will be updating the hub with new verified campaigns as more become available. 

They have also started a 2025 Wildfire Relief Fund that will directly help the nonprofit organizations providing relief on the ground and to those impacted and actively seeking help through GoFundMe fund-raisers. 

World Central Kitchen

The charity group’s Southern California relief team is working with food trucks and restaurants to provide meals for evacuees, emergency personnel and first responders. You can donate directly to the group here.  

The Mutual Aid L.A. Network (MALAN)

The MALAN team has compiled a Google spreadsheet with information regarding shelters, animal centers, and volunteer and donation opportunities for the Southern California wildfire relief. The group will continue to update the spreadsheet as new information becomes available and has also shared resources on how to support local groups already assisting those affected by the fires. You can directly donate to MALAN here.

And finally, do your research

When donating to charitable organizations in the face of natural disasters, make sure to always, always do your research. Scammers and fraudsters love to prey on people’s generosity. When in doubt, Charity Navigator and GuideStar, two valuable verification resources, provide information on nonprofit groups and aid organizations, as well as direct you to reputable ones.