On Tuesday, January 7th, a wildfire broke out in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Since then, six more fires have spread across the area, leading to mass destruction in residential areas and five deaths. There are multiple organizations in need of donations to aid in this situation, and while New Jersey is not affected by this natural disaster, it's important to help where we can. Read on for what we know about the Los Angeles Wildfires and a list of organizations to donate to.

What is Happening in Los Angeles?

Seven wildfires have broken out across Los Angeles County since Tuesday, January 7th. Two of the fires are completely contained but five still remain, leaving at least 60,000 structures across the county at risk. According to CBS News, over 179,000 Los Angeles County residents have been ordered to evacuate the area.

Read More: A List of Hoboken + Jersey City Non-Profits to Donate to Year-Round

The Palisades Fire was the first to spring up and is the largest in the area, covering more than 17,000 acres of land in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. According to the BBC, this fire could become "the most destructive fire in state history."

The second largest fire is the Eaton fire in the northern area of the city, which has burned around 10,600 acres. The Hurst Fire is located in the San Fernando area and broke out on Tuesday, January 7th. This fire has grown to 855 acres and is at 10% containment. The Lidia Fire, which began burning on Wednesday, January 8th covers the Acton area of Northern Los Angeles. According to California's Department of Forestry + Fire Protection, this fire is 40% contained. The last fire remaining is the Sunset Fire, located in the Runyon Canyon area of Hollywood Hills. The Sunset Fire started on the evening of January 8th and is about 20 acres large, as of this writing. The Woodley and Olivas fires are completely contained.

While the official causes of these fires have yet to be discovered, some believe that the high winds and the current drought, coupled with the effects of climate change, have led to this devastation.

See here for more updates on the fires and their containment statuses.

Another Man's Treasure in Jersey City, which has a second location in Los Angeles, shared via Instagram that it will be donating a portion of its proceeds from its JC location toward relief efforts in Los Angeles and Pasadena.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Another Man's Treasure (@amtvintage)

For those with family or friends in LA, or those who just want to spread the word, there is a Google Sheet available online that lists out various places in the Southern California area offering different kinds of aid, from animal boarding to wifi + device charging. This sheet also includes information regarding which places are in need of volunteers.

Where to Donate:

American Red Cross

California Fire Foundation

The California Fire Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Sacramento, California, provides "critical support to surviving families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they serve," according to its website. All monetary donations go towards victims of wildfires and other natural disasters. Donate to this organization here.

Donations at Washington General Store

Washington General Store in Hoboken is accepting donations to send to those affected by the LA fires. Locals should drop off items like clothes, new underwear, socks, bath supplies, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other essentials at 509 Washington Street. See this Instagram post for more information.

League of California Community Foundations

The League of California Community Foundations, an organization that represents community foundations across the state, has implemented relief efforts for those affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. The Wildfire Recovery Fund is for the Palisades Fire and Eaton Canyon Fire Relief Fund is for the Eaton Fire. Learn more about donating to these funds here.

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation's website, there are 1,145 firefighters on duty serving the City of Los Angeles, many of which are actively aiding in this current wildfire situation. The LAFD has asked for donations to its wildfire emergency fund, where the proceeds go toward supplies and tools needed to contain these fires. Donate to the LAFD here.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank 

Although New Jersey locals are too far away to volunteer at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, the organization is accepting monetary donations. 96% of revenues go towards its relief programs, as per its website. Donate to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank here.

Margs for California

Porta Montclair, located at 499 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, is hosting a fundraiser to support the victims of the fires this weekend. From January 10th to January 12th, all proceeds from margarita pizzas sold at Porta's Montclair location will be donated to World Central Kitchen, an organization working hard to provide meals to first responders and families affected by the LA fires. Locals can also donate directly to World Central Kitchen here.

Pasadena Humane

Pasadena Humane, an animal shelter based in Pasadena, is calling for monetary donations. This organization has taken in over 300 animals with burns and injuries, according to its website. The team behind this shelter has been working nonstop to aid in the animals' care. All donations will go towards providing emergency resources to animals impacted by the LA fires. See here on how to donate.

Salvation Army

Salvation Army is a nonprofit organization that provides aid in disaster relief, homeless shelters, rehabilitation programs, and more. Through its wildfire relief programs, this organization provides grants to people displaced by wildfires, immediate financial aid to fire victims, and emergency housing. See more about donating to the Salvation Army here.

See More: Organizations + Non-Profits to Give Back to in Montclair

United Way of Greater Los Angeles

United Way of Greater Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization aimed at fighting poverty and homelessness. This organization is working with other groups in the area to help with the long-term impacts of the wildfires in Los Angeles. Donate to United Way of Greater Los Angeles here.

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