Wildfires have ravaged Southern California in January 2023, aided by Santa Ana Winds, burning over 40,000 acres of land, destroying or damaging over 12,000 structures, killing 25 people and causing the evacuation of over 200,000 people. Wildfires such as the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire and Hurst Fire have forever altered the lives of California wildfire victims. According to the National Weather Service, despite it not being fire season, the fires may not end any time soon, as more high winds and critical fire weather are expected in the region.
The causes of the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires are still under investigation, according to CAL FIRE. However, a lawsuit alleges that Southern California Edison is responsible for the Eaton fire, and an electrical explosion was witnessed near where the Hurst Fire started, an area which gets its electricity from Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
This article will let you know how you can help victims of the fires in Los Angeles County and Southern California.
If you or someone you know was a victim of the extreme fire danger in Southern California in January 2025 and had an insurance claim denied, call us today for a free consultation or click here for more information.
Be Informed: Do Your Research
Natural disasters such as extreme fire weather scenarios provide a lot of opportunities for fraudsters and scammers to prey upon the generosity of others. So, should you be looking to provide help, you should do some research prior to dedicating time or money to a cause.
GuideStar and Charity Navigator are providers of info regarding aid agencies and nonprofit groups. They may be able to direct you towards reputable aid agencies and nonprofit groups.
Federal Communications Commission officials have stated that scammers might utilize email, text messages, phone calls or postal mail, or may even do door-to-door visits. The Federal Trade Commission provides tips regarding spotting bogus fund-raisers and charities, including resisting pressure to immediately donate and asking some specific questions.
Always Google groups before you donate and don’t get pressured into donations before doing research.
Donate
After doing your research, donate to helpful organizations when you can.
Organizations you can donate to include:
GoFundMe
GoFundMe has a webpage up where people can donate to people who have been affected by the Eaton, Palisades, Lidia, Woodley and Hurst fires. The page shows fundraisers which have been verified by GoFundMe’s Trust & Safety team.
Baby2Baby
Baby2Baby has a webpage up for emergency response and disaster relief. The organization has distributed in excess of 60 million emergency supplies to the children who have been impacted by disasters like fires, earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes. The organization provides children with basic necessities such as clothing, formula and diapers.
California Fire Foundation
This organization has a disaster relief page up where one can donate to help wildfire victims. The organization is currently working alongside community-based organizations and local fire agencies to give financial support to residents who have been impacted by the wildfires.
SPCLA
SPCLA has a webpage up where people can donate to its Disaster Animal Response Team. This team provides animals with temporary shelter and veterinary care during disasters. The team works with national, state and local agencies to assist families and animals with housing, food and medical assistance.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen has a webpage up where people can donate in order to help them provide fresh meals to families and first responders who have been impacted by the wildfires. The organization has provided over 450 million meals to communities worldwide. World Central Kitchen partners with on-the-ground organizations and activates a network of emergency kitchens or food trucks to provide nutritious, freshly-made meals to those impacted by natural disasters.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
This organization has a webpage up where people can donate in order to support front-line firefighters. The foundation seeks funds to equip firefighters with supplies and equipment such as hydration backpacks, emergency fire shelters and wildland brush tools.
Volunteer
There are local groups you can volunteer at to help out.
Mutual Aid has created a spreadsheet which contains opportunities for those who wish to volunteer.
Housing
Airbnb is offering free housing opportunities for victims of the wildfires. Tell your loved ones and spread the word about this opportunity.
If you have the means to do so, you may also want to offer your loved one a place to stay while they recover from the fires.
Other Helpful Wildfire Recovery Resources
- Frequently asked questions regarding returning after wildfires
- LA County Planning Disaster Recovery
- Find food assistance
- LA Department of Aging and Disabilities
- LA Department of Mental Health
- California Department of Food and Agriculture wildfire recovery resources
- LA County Recovers wildfire recovery resources
- City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department wildfire recovery resources
Legal Representation for LA Wildfire Victims
We can help you if you or a loved one is dealing with an insurance company who is handling your wildfire claim in bad faith. Examples of bad faith include refusing to pay benefits that you’re contractually eligible for, unreasonably delaying your claim or refusing to provide an explanation for why your claim was denied.
In addition, if you have suffered injuries, property damage, business interruption or evacuation costs due to the Palisades, Eaton or Hurst fires, we may be able to obtain financial compensation for you by filing a lawsuit on your behalf against those responsible for the wildfires or the spread of the wildfires. We may be able to hold utilities responsible for your losses due to their failure to shut off the power during a red flag warning or failure to properly maintain their equipment.
Call us today for a free consultation if you or a loved one is dealing with an insurance company’s bad faith or is a victim of the Palisades, Eaton or Hurst fires. Our experienced legal teams have recovered over $1 billion for victims of California wildfires. Call us today.
Jeffrey Nadrich
Jeffrey Nadrich is a nationally-recognized California plaintiff’s personal injury attorney. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley and UC Hastings College of the Law. He has successfully represented thousands of injury clients over the last 40 years.
