I've tried to put together a quick list of links of official resources for those affected by the southern California fires of January 2025. For those who want to support but aren't affected try these ideas:
Support Local Organizations:
If you’re looking to help those affected by the wildfires, here are some trusted local organizations doing vital on-the-ground work:
- California Fire Foundation
- Provides assistance to firefighter families, disaster survivors, and promotes public safety initiatives.
- Offers direct aid to families and individuals affected by disasters through their SAVE (Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency) program.
- Learn more or donate: California Fire Foundation
- American Red Cross
- Offers emergency shelter, food, and emotional support to disaster survivors.
- Get involved in local initiatives such as:
- Disaster preparedness education
- Food distribution
- Health promotion
- Volunteer or donate: American Red Cross
Take Action Locally:
- Participate in community-led donation drives and volunteer programs.
- Look for local shelters and organizations coordinating efforts to support evacuees and emergency responders.
Palisades: The Palisades Fire, which began on January 7, 2025, has significantly impacted Los Angeles County. As of January 16, 2025, the fire has burned approximately 23,713 acres and is 22% contained.
Evacuation Shelters:
The following shelters are available for evacuees:
- Ritchie Valens Recreation Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Pacoima, CA 91331
- Pasadena Convention Center: 300 E Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
- Stoner Recreation Center: 1835 Stoner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025
- Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025
- Pomona Fairplex (Gate 3): 601 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
- Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Recreation Center: 14201 Huston Street, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Animal Evacuation Shelters:
For small animals:
- El Camino High School: 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills
- Agoura Animal Care Center: 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills
- Baldwin Park Animal Care Center: 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park
- Carson Animal Care Center: 216 W Victoria St, Gardena
- Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA): Provides resources to support those affected by the LA fires, including emergency shelters and housing assistance.
LAHSA - Santa Monica College: Offers disaster relief resources, including meal distribution for students.
Santa Monica College - California State Government: Provides resources for Californians impacted by the 2025 early January Los Angeles County fires.
California State Portal
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to guidance from local authorities.
Eaton: The Eaton Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, in Eaton Canyon within the Altadena-Pasadena area of Los Angeles County, has burned 14,117 acres and is currently 55% contained as of January 16.
Starting January 15, 2025, FEMA has established a Disaster Resource Center at Pasadena City College to assist residents affected by the Eaton Fire.
Operating hours are 9 am to 8 pm.
Location:
Pasadena City College Community Education Center 3035 E. Foothill Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107
For more information on FEMA services, visit FEMA's website.
Details on Small Business Administration services can be found here.
Housing and Hotel Assistance:
211LA has announced a significant donation to support displaced residents.
Hilton Hotels and American Express are providing 20,000 complimentary hotel room nights to affected families and individuals across the Greater Los Angeles area.
To determine eligibility for assistance, apply through 211 LA's website at https://211la.org/ and search for "Emergency Housing Assistance for Wildfire Survivors."
Community Meetings:
A virtual community meeting regarding the Eaton Fire was held on January 14, 2025, to provide updates, address questions, and discuss recovery efforts.
If you missed the meeting, you can watch it here.
Insurance Information:
State Farm, California’s largest insurance company, has announced it will offer renewals to policyholders impacted by the Los Angeles County wildfires.
Policies in effect as of January 7 will have the option to renew for another term.
Read more about this decision here.
Emergency Updates:
- Latest Wildfire Information:
For comprehensive details on ongoing wildfire responses, including active incidents, evacuation information, and damage assessments, visit CAL FIRE’s Incident Tracking Page and LA County Emergency Response. - Evacuation Orders and Maps:
An interactive map of Evacuation Orders and Warnings is available here, allowing you to enter your address to view your current zone.
Air Quality Advisories:
For information on air quality and smoke advisories, visit the South Coast AQMD.
If you are in an area impacted by smoke:
- Limit exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or seeking alternate shelter.
- Avoid vigorous physical activity.
- Use air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, avoid using swamp coolers or whole-house fans that bring in outside air.
- Avoid burning wood in fireplaces or fire pits and minimize sources of indoor air pollution such as candles, incense, pan-frying, and grilling.
Stay Informed with Emergency Alerts:
- Alert LA County: Stay updated on emergencies and critical events.
- South Coast AQMD: Access reliable air quality information.
- LA Metro: Get real-time service updates or call 323-GO-METRO (323-466-3876).
- SoCal Edison: Stay informed about potential outages in your neighborhood.
- Pasadena Water & Power: Updates on water quality within Pasadena’s service area.
- Foothill Municipal Water District: Information on unsafe drinking water in Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, and La Crescenta-Montrose.
Emergency Shelter Resources:
Human Shelters:
- Arcadia Recreation & Community Center: 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007
- Pasadena Civic Auditorium: 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
Animal Shelters:
Small Animals:
- Agoura Animal Care Center: 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
- Baldwin Park Animal Care Center: 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
- Carson Animal Care Center: 216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248
- Downey Animal Care Center: 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA 90242
- Lancaster Animal Care Center: 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536
- Palmdale Animal Care Center: 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550
Large Animals:
- Pomona Fairplex: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
- Industry Hills Expo: 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744
- Antelope Valley Fairgrounds: 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536
For evacuation assistance, contact LA County Animal Care Control at (562) 940-6898.
Assistance Programs:
FEMA Assistance:
- Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362.
Red Cross Assistance:
- Find shelters and support at redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Emergency Food and Supplies:
- Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Locate food pantries near you.
- Support for Older Adults: Find meal sites for seniors.
Unemployment Assistance:
- File online at EDD California or call:
- English: 1-800-300-5616
- Spanish: 1-800-326-8937
Housing and Recovery:
Immediate Housing Relief:
- Temporary housing through Airbnb and 211 LA.
Insurance Relief:
- Learn more about moratoriums and reimbursements on the California Department of Insurance.
DMV Assistance:
- Visit the Pasadena City College FEMA DRC for services like license replacements and fee waivers.
Financial Assistance:
SBA Disaster Loans:
- Apply online at SBA Disaster Assistance.
Consumer Protection:
- Report price gouging at CA Attorney General.
Health and Safety:
Mental Health Resources:
- Contact the 24/7 Mental Health Helpline: 1-800-854-7771.
- Free multilingual support through the Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990.
For further assistance, visit the original resource page here.
