Multiple fast-moving wildfires have engulfed part of Southern California this week, fueled by 99 mph winds. At least 10 lives have been lost and tens of thousands have evacuated from their homes, with a state of emergency in effect.
The first named fires – the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires – erupted Tuesday and others broke later in the week.
According to Cal Fire’s website, fire.ca.gov/Incidents, there have been 13,926 emergency responses, 29,053 acres burned and 10,000+ structures destroyed.
Currently Active Incidents (as of Friday morning)
• Palisades Fire, Los Angeles area, started Jan. 7, affected 20,438 acres and are 8% contained
• Eaton Fire, Los Angeles, started Jan. 7, 13,956 acres, 0% contained
• Kenneth Fire, Calaveras, Los Angeles and Ventura, started Jan. 9, 1,00 acres, 35% contained
• Hurst Fire, Los Angeles, started Jan. 7, 771 acres, 37% contained
Lidia Fire, Los Angeles, started Jan. 8, 395 acres, 75%
Local connection
The Great Bend Tribune has attempted to contact former residents who may be affected. On Thursday, Wyvonne Moore, a 1977 graduate of Great Bend High School, sent this email:
“The City of Pasadena has been shut down and many of the schools have been either destroyed or damaged. Very sad, the amount of destruction happening for that city. I am next to the Pasadena/Easton fires and stay inside. A lot of the smoke was coming into my apartment, so I used towels under my door and window. I do not go outside due to the air quality. We are under a red flag alert due to winds through the end of Friday. Thank you for your prayers.”
Ways to donate
According to the LA Times, here are a few organizations accepting online cash or check donations to help with relief:
• California Fire Foundation
The foundation is taking donations at cpf.salsalabs.org/cff-donation to provide aid and resources for both fire crews and residents.
• The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is accepting donations online. The organization plays a role in disaster recovery by providing emergency shelters, meals, medical care, and recovery planning services. To contribute, see redcross.org/donate/donation.html.
• Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is the official nonprofit of the Los Angeles City Fire Department. The organization supports over 3,000 local firefighters and paramedics by providing equipment and tools to help them fight wildfires effectively. Donations to the foundation can be made at supportlafd.org/donate/.
• The Salvation Army
Donations are being accepted at socal.salvationarmy.org/southern-california/california-wildfires/ for wildfire relief efforts in Southern California. The Salvation Army has trained staff that is mobilizing to provide food, water, shelter and other needed resources.
• California Community Foundation
The California Community Foundation is accepting donations at calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/ toward its Wildfire Recovery Fund to aid those affected by the fires. The nonprofit has provided more than $32 million in relief to victims of wildfire since 2003, according to the foundation’s website.
