Fast-spreading wildfires, ignited by a fierce windstorm in Southern California, are wreaking havoc in the Los Angeles area. Homes have been reduced to ashes, forcing tens of thousands to flee for their safety.

As per Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, at least five fatalities have been reported due to the Eaton Fire, and officials anticipate this number may increase. The fire has consumed over 10,000 acres in the Altadena-Pasadena region, while the Palisades Fire has burned close to 16,000 acres between the coastal cities of Santa Monica and Malibu.

Other wildfires are also occurring in the county, such as the 500-acre Hurst Fire in the San Fernando Valley, the 50-acre Lidia Fire in Acton, and the 30-acre Woodley Fire in the Sepulveda Basin. Currently, all fires remain uncontained as of Wednesday afternoon.

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, and President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration to allocate resources for firefighting efforts, but additional assistance is urgently required.

Here are various organizations that are accepting donations to support wildfire victims.

California Wildfire Relief Fund

GlobalGiving’s California Wildfire Relief Fund is currently accepting donations that will directly aid wildfire relief and recovery efforts across the state. This fund is dedicated to providing essential items like food, water, and shelter to affected individuals through reputable nonprofit organizations.

The nonprofit organization, based in Washington, D.C., has already received over $14,000 in contributions.

Wildfire Recovery Fund

The Wildfire Recovery Fund from the California Community Foundation focuses on providing support to marginalized communities severely impacted by the destructive fires.

This nonprofit aims to meet the basic needs of wildfire victims, offering shelter, food, and financial assistance, with more than $500,000 raised, according to its website.

California Fire Foundation

The California Fire Foundation supports firefighters engaged in wildfire efforts along with their families and local communities impacted by the fires.

By donating, you can help honor fallen heroes, provide scholarships for the children of deceased firefighters, assist disaster victims, and supply fire safety resources to underprivileged communities throughout California.

Pasadena Humane Society

The Pasadena Humane Society is collecting donations to assist with the evacuation of pets in the Los Angeles area.

Ventura County Wildfire Relief & Recovery

Ventura County Wildfire Relief & Recovery offers urgent funding support to those affected in neighboring Los Angeles County.

LA Regional Food Bank

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is requesting donations to help supply nutritious food to those impacted by the wildfires.

The Red Cross-Wildfire Relief

The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles is providing shelter, food, water, and emotional support to wildfire victims and their pets. They are accepting donations while managing an emergency shelter at the Westwood Recreation Center and a facility for large animals and livestock at Pierce College in Los Angeles.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is gathering donations of essential items for survivors, including protective clothing, flashlights, device chargers, infant care supplies, and boxes to transport belongings.

The following items are particularly needed:

• First aid kits
• Personal protective equipment like masks, gloves, boots, or helmets
• Bottled water or other packaged beverages
• Boxes, barrels, or garbage bags
• Mops, brooms, rakes, rags, and scrub brushes
• Batteries, flashlights, or device chargers
• Work or rain boots
• Hygiene products such as soap, disinfectants, hand sanitizer, or laundry detergent
• Infant care items including formula, diapers, and rash cream
• Blankets or pillows
• Underwear or socks
• Non-perishable food items and snacks
• Hand tools, nails, plywood, and other construction materials
• Children’s entertainment items, such as toys and books