Nearly 180,000 Los Angeles–area residents are under evacuation orders and at least five people have been killed — a number officials say is expected to rise — as devastating wildfires continue to sweep through Southern California, destroying homes and landmarks and covering roads in soot. The fires are considered to be the most destructive in L.A. history; the largest of them, in the Pacific Palisades, has burned more than 17,000 acres of the coastal neighborhood. Blazes continue to burn north of San Fernando, in Altadena, the Sepulveda Basin, and the Hollywood Hills, fanned by what firefighters are calling “tornadolike” winds. On Thursday, the Los Angeles Times reported that evacuation orders had been lifted in the Hills, where firefighters have made significant gains. Although area wind speeds weakened, forecasters say they are expected to pick up on Thursday night.
The area is home to many celebrities, who have been sharing the destruction of their houses and neighborhoods. Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, Paris Hilton, and Anna Faris are reportedly among the many residents who have lost homes in the blaze. Forecasters warn the critical fire weather will last through Friday night. “This is going to be devastating, a devastating loss, for all of Los Angeles,” L.A. councilwoman Traci Park said in a statement, per the Times. If you’re able, here’s how to help.
Where to donate:
Donate to the Dream Center, an L.A.-based charitable organization that’s offering emergency shelter to those evacuated in the Palisades and Eaton Canyon Fires.
Donate to Friends in Deed, a nonprofit providing services for the homeless, as it opens its Bad Weather Shelter amid the fires.
The California Fire Foundation provides resources to firefighters, fallen firefighters, their families and the communities they serve.
Donate to Direct Relief’s California Fire Relief, which provides N-95 masks, medicine, and resources to health-care agencies and first responders in areas affected by wildfires.
The California Community Fund has a recovery fund dedicated to helping victims of wildfires. You can donate here.
Donate to International Medical Corps, which has an emergency response team on the ground in Los Angeles and is working to deliver relief supplies, including hygiene and first-aid kits, to those affected.
Americares is accepting donations to provide medicine and medical supplies to wildfire victims.
Donate to the GlobalGiving California Wildfire Relief Fund to help provide immediate essentials and long-term relief to Californians impacted by the fires.
Donate to the Salvation Army’s emergency disaster-relief efforts.
Donate to the Wildfire Relief Fund at the American Red Cross.
If you’re located in the Los Angeles area and can offer temporary foster care to dogs displaced by the wildfires, sign up at the Canine Rescue Club.
This post has been updated.