How you can help the victims of California’s potent wildfires

The California fire season should be winding down by autumn, but it’s alive and well. The Camp Fire largely turned Paradise — a town of over 26,000 — to ash while burning fleeing victims alive in their cars. On the other side of the state, in palm tree-laden Malibu, the city posted an urgent, ominous message on Nov. 9 as the Woosley Fire approached: 

“Fire is burning out of control, heading into populated areas of Malibu. All residents evacuate now.”

These late-season fall fires — stoked by weather but enhanced by global warming — have taken at least 23 lives. Below are 3 reputable, vetted ways to help those who have fled or are combating the nation’s latest environmental catastrophe. 

1. Donate to reputable charities

Charity Navigator, an organization that evaluates charity programs in the U.S., has provided a list of recommended places to donate. They note that these charities “are confirmed to be working to provide relief to the individuals and communities affected by these devastating fires in Southern and Northern California.”

Presently there are four listed charities, which include: Direct Relief, Humane Society of Sonoma County, ICNA Relief USA, and the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties. 

2. Donate to firefighter charities 

The California Fire Foundation provides “financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect.”

One of the foundation’s programs, Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE), is particularly relevant: It provides emergency, short-term financial assistance. 

For a direct, local impact, the Los Angeles Fire Department foundation is asking for donations to provide hydration backpacks to LAFD firefighters currently battling large flames in Southern California.  

Donations can be made directly here.

3. Donate to a  GoFundMe Campaign

GoFundMe has created a central web page hub for helping those impacted by the California wildfires. 

These are largely campaigns for families or individuals with demolished homes. Northern California campaigns are found here, and those in Southern California are listed here.