*Note: This post will be updated as more information is obtained.
Thousands of residents in the Los Angeles and Ventura county areas have been affected by the Hill and Woolsey fires.
Both fires began last Thursday, Nov. 8. Since then, the Woolsey Fire has grown to more than 93,000 acres—LA County Fire Chief Daryl Osby said the burn area was “larger than the City of Denver.”
To help residents who have lost their homes, and the first responders fighting the fires, here are a few ways:
Monetary donations
Cash is one of the best ways to help support relief efforts. According to the Center for International Disaster Information, “Most importantly, cash can be used immediately in response to a crisis, and allows disaster relief organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when it’s needed.”
*Malibu Fire Relief: The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu is serving as the fiscal operator for donations to Malibu residents and the equestrian community. The group is working with California Senator Henry Stern.
*Pepperdine Crisis Response: Pepperdine University set up a crisis response fund to help support students and families in the wake of the Borderline Bar and Grill shooting and the Woolsey Fire. The money will go toward students, faculty and staff effected.
*American Red Cross: Donate by visiting their website, calling 1-800-REDCROSS or texting “CAWILDFIRES” to 90999 to make an automatic $10 donation. On social media, the American Red Cross Los Angeles region said, “Please avoid bringing donated items like food and clothing to Red Cross shelters at this time.”
*United Way of Greater Los Angeles: The United Way of Greater Los Angeles partnered with the United Way of Ventura County to create a Disaster Relief Fund. You can donate online or text “UWVC” to 41444. To donate to Ventura County only, click here.
*California Fire Foundation: The nonprofit foundation provides emergency short-term assistance through its Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program.
*LA County Animal Care Foundation: Through the Noah’s Legacy Fund, the foundation assists emergency response and disaster relief efforts to help rescue animals from the fires. Donate online and specify the Noah’s Legacy Fund, or mail the foundation to P.O. Box 100515, Pasadena, CA 91189-0515.
*GoFundMe: GoFundMe has compiled lists of campaigns related to fires in sections. To donate to the Southern California fire campaigns, click here. To donate to first responders’ campaigns, click here. To donate to animals impacted by the fires, click here.
Goods donations
*Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital: The hospital is gathering donations and making deliveries to the Humane Society of Ventura County and Ventura County Animal Services. People can drop off basic medical supplies for horses (any type of dressings for lacerations/burns), blankets, sheets, towels, liquid laundry detergent, gallon-size freezer Ziplock bags, puppy pads and cat/dog food to 3580 Willow Lane, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361. Their phone number is 805.495.4871. It is open 24/7.
*Animal care: Kennels and crates are needed at the Red Cross sheltering sites for families who evacuated with animals, according to the Agoura Animal Care Center. They can be delivered to LA County, Third Council District Council Member Bob Blumenfield’s office at 19040 Vanowen St. Reseda, CA 91335.
Service
*Airbnb: More than 1,200 Airbnb hosts are opening their homes to evacuees as well as relief workers sent to help combat the fires. The service is free, and is open through Nov. 29.
*Red Cross volunteer: Trained Red Cross volunteers are staffing shelters and supporting residents, according to the Los Angeles region branch. Click the link for more information on how to volunteer.
*Adopt a pet: The LA County Department of Animal Care & Control encourages people to go to their closest animal care center and adopt to create space for evacuated animals from the ongoing fires.
Animal help
Wild birds may be found on roads and at the beach, per wildlife experts.
“If anyone finds a wild bird, and it is fairly easy to capture, the bird should be placed in a cardboard box with a towel on the bottom and plenty of air holes. They should be kept dark, quiet and undisturbed – don’t keep peeking at them – the stress could put them over the edge, and do not attempt to give food or water. Just get them to an expert without delay,” California Wildlife Center founder Rebecca Dmytryk said.
To find the nearest wildlife rescuer, download the free app “WildHelp.” Wildlife Emergency Services is available to coordinate rescue and transfer; call at 831.498.9453. To help resolve conflict with any sort of wildlife, contact Humane Wildlife Control at 855.548.6263.
*Birds:
Wildlife Care of Southern California—805.581.3911 or 805.428.7105
Camarillo Wildlife Rehabilitation—805.482.4127 or 805.482.4127
Ojai Raptor Center—805.649.6884
South Bay Wildlife Rehab—310.378.9921
*Crows and Ravens:
Wildlife Care of Southern California—805.581.3911 or 805.428.7105
*Hummingbirds:
Ventura Hummingbird Rescue—805.320.2438
*Songbirds, doves, etc.:
South Bay Wildlife Rehab—310.378.9921
*Aquatic or marine birds:
International Bird Rescue—310.514.2573