Firefighters battle the Eaton Fire on January 8, 2025 in Altadena, California. Powerful Santa Ana winds pushed the fire across more than 10,000 acres in less than 24 hours, destroying potentially hundreds of homes and killing five people so far. At least 1,000 structures have burned and 70,000 people are forced from their homes in the Los Angeles area as multiple dangerous wildfires continue to erupt., 8.25.02.LA Wildfires.4076

The headlines are shocking: 

  • “Thousands of homes burned in Palisades, Eaton fires; more days of fire weather ahead” 
  • “California wildfires rage across Los Angeles County, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes” 
  • “California wildfires live updates: 179,000 under evacuation orders; L.A. County sheriff says some areas look ‘like a bomb was dropped’”
People carry possessions through a neighborhood where a large part of the homes burned in the Eaton Fire on January 8, 2025 in Altadena, California. Powerful Santa Ana winds pushed the fire across more than 10,000 acres in less than 24 hours, destroying potentially hundreds of homes and killing five people so far. At least 1,000 structures have burned and 70,000 people are forced from their homes in the Los Angeles area as multiple dangerous wildfires continue to erupt., 8.25.02.LA Wildfires.3066

A tragedy unfolds

As the world watches … families, wildlife, and entire communities in California are suffering from fires — fueled by extreme drought and record heat — raging across acres with no end in sight. Many have lost everything. Even more don’t know where to turn. 

Our hearts go out to those who are experiencing this unfolding tragedy. We must support each other. We must stand beside our family, friends, neighbors, and strangers to ensure further safety and survival.

Need support?

If you or your loved ones need support, please check out these resources compiled by We Are California and follow Mutual Aid LA on Instagram.