Southern California is currently in the midst of a wildfire crisis that has led to homes and entire communities being lost. The Palisades Fire alone has burned nearly 50 square miles, while at least four other fires have damaged Altadena, Pasadena, and Sylmar. Washington State is helping by sending 45 engines, 11 firetrucks, and over 100 personnel to LA to fight the fires.
You may be wondering how you, too, can help from Seattle. There are more options than you may think! We compiled this practical guide with easy ways to make a meaningful difference.
We will update this post if we learn of more ways to help. For now, here are the top four things Seattleites can do:
1. Make a monetary donation
If you can spare some dollars, the best and most immediate way to help Southern California from Seattle right now is with your financial support. Here is a list of 10 reputable organizations asking for monetary donations:
- The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is in need of funds to provide tools and supplies to the Los Angeles Fire Department as they battle the fires.
- California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund goes towards the immediate and long-term recovery of the “most affected and underserved populations.”
- American Red Cross asks that those who want to make a donation for those affected by the California fires to either text CAWILDFIRES to 90999 or write “California Wildfires 2025” in the memo line of a check and mail it with a completed donation form to the address on the form or to their local Red Cross chapter.
- Direct Relief’s California Fire Relief accepts donations that will go directly towards critical aid such as N-95 masks and medicine.
- World Central Kitchen is accepting donations to help them distribute free hot meals to wildfire victims in Southern California.
- Baby2Baby accepts donations to aid their work in getting essential supplies to infants and children.
- Pasadena Humane Society has taken in over 300 animals, many of which need medical care, and their biggest need right now is monetary donations.
- Animal Wellness Foundation asks for donations to their disaster relief fund as they shelter and feed animals affected by the fires.
- Mutual Aid LA Network has put together a resource spreadsheet for those affected by the fires. You can see where specific monetary donations are needed on this spreadsheet or make a blanket donation to Mutual Aid LA Network.
- GoFundMe has verified local fundraisers if you’d like to directly donate to families and individuals in need.
2. Buy a firefighter a meal
Looking to make a gesture of gratitude to LA firefighters that is both sweet and helpful? You can buy a firefighter a meal here.
“Thank you” notes are also appreciated by the firefighters. You can mail a card acknowledging their hard work and sacrifice to this address:
Los Angeles Fire Department
200 North Main Street, 16th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90012
3. Send clothes and essential items
While trying to help those who lost their homes and belongings in the fires, it may be tempting to send a bag of your old clothes to shelters and other organizations in LA. There are two problems with that approach. One is that many organizations may not have the manpower right now to sort through incoming donations of clothes and other essentials; and another problem is that oftentimes what is sent does not match up with what is actually needed.
There are two clothing drives that are working directly with those affected in LA to ensure that what is donated is matched up with what is needed.
Seconds Market will connect you with someone in LA who needs clothes and other essentials. Sign up to donate here. Then you’ll be matched with someone who needs what you can provide and from there you can coordinate shipping.
Well Cloth’d and Quirk LA have partnered to collect and distribute clothing and essential items for LA wildfire victims as well. They said that donations of gently-used clothing and necessities can be mailed to the drop-off location:
Quirk Showroom
112 West 9th Street #200
Los Angeles, California 90015
You can also help out this drive in two other ways. Purchase new items to be sent directly via this Amazon Wish List, and donate to cover shipping expenses via @wellclothdinc on Venmo.
If you do send items, avoid sending any damaged or stained clothing, used socks or underwear, and any opened toiletries or hygiene products.
4. Adopt a pet from Seattle Humane
If you’ve been meaning to adopt a furry family member soon anyway, now is the time. In addition to making monetary donations, Seattleites can help pets affected by the LA wildfires by opening their homes. Seattle Humane announced that they’ve partnered with Wings of Rescue and Paws For Life K9 Rescue to fly pets from Los Angeles-area shelters to Boeing Field this Sunday, January 12.
Seattle Humane expects to have over 60 pets ready for adoption at their Bellevue shelter by Tuesday, January 14. Note that these are pets that were already in LA shelters—not pets that have been separated from their families this week. Sending these shelter residents to Seattle will free up space in LA shelters for temporarily holding pets displaced by the fires until they can be returned to their homes.
You don’t have to wait until Tuesday to adopt a pet, however. Seattle Humane needs to free up space now in their shelter for the incoming LA pets. You can adopt right now: take a look at pets currently available for adoption. Then, if none of them fit your family’s needs, check again after January 14 and look out for the wildfire rescue icon on pets’ profile pictures.