How to support those helping to fight the LA wildfires
Thousands of buildings have been destroyed and the economic damage caused by wildfires ravaging southern California is estimated to have exceeded $150 billion.
The situation on the ground has not improved since the fires broke out days ago across Los Angeles.
An arson suspect was arrested Thursday night near the Kenneth Fire after being first apprehended by a group of citizens.
First responders are also struggling to keep up with the constant blaze as families come to terms with losing everything.
Metro has compiled a short list of organisations and ways to help those on the frontlines of one of the worst natural disasters in California’s history.
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The nonprofit which supports the LAFD can be found here.
Earlier this week, the foundation issued a call for more donations to help cover tools and safety equipment for the firefighters.
Over $1,000,000 was supplied by the Annenberg and Wasserman foundations.
The money will be used to help fund supplies for emergency fire shelters, firefighters actively fighting the blaze, and tools like hydration backpacks.
California Fire Foundation
The California Fire Foundation works to support fallen firefighters and active ones, as well as providing relief to victims of fire.
To donate, go here.
The Red Cross
Donating money to the American Red Cross here will help work to support victims of the fires and alleviate pressure on first responders at shelters.
The Red Cross disaster team is mobilising hundreds more disaster workers to support the wildfire victims and moving truckloads of supplies like cots, blankets and water.
The Salvation Army
Those hoping to help support the victims of the fires – as well as first responders – can donate to the Salvation Army’s fund here.
The organisation works with government and non-profit agencies to provide food, personal necessities, and shelter to survivors and first responders.
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
The major food bank in the LA area needs donations for the influx of requests they will be receiving in the coming weeks.
To donate, go here.
GoFundMe
GoFundMe has created a hub to help those looking to donate find families and organisations affected by the fires.
The Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team – a nonprofit -is raising money to help cover operating costs.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.