Rich's Big List of Los Angeles Wildfire Resources

No doubt you’ve been seeing what is happening with the wildfires in Los Angeles. It’s devastating. My thoughts are with everyone affected by these fires, from the first responders to the countless families who have lost their homes.

Here are some helpful resources for anyone affected by the Palisades Fire, Kenneth Fire, Hurst First, Lidia Fire, Creek Fire, Sunset Fire and the Eaton Fire.

If you have something you’d like added to the list email me at hello@richontech.tv or text me the info at 213-900-7485

Info on discounted hotels here and here.

• 211 LA County: Call 211 for 24/7 support on emergency preparedness, wildfire resources, and assistance with referrals to various services.

• Airbnb.org: Offers free emergency housing for wildfire evacuees in affected areas. Displaced residents can request stays, and Airbnb hosts can offer free or discounted accommodations. Donations to Airbnb.org go directly to housing those in need.

• AirNow: Provides real-time air quality monitoring and health updates to help you stay informed about the effects of smoke and particulate matter during wildfires.

Alert LA County – Sign up for emergency alerts specific to Los Angeles County.

• American Red Cross: Emergency shelter is available at the Westwood Recreation Center (1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd). Assistance includes shelter for evacuees and small animals.

• Apple Card: Disaster Relief Program lets users skip their monthly payment and avoid interest charges for the enrollment month. Late fees on past-due accounts won’t accrue during enrollment. Contact Apple Card Support via Messages to enroll before the end of next month.

• AT&T: Offers support for affected customers, including free activation, unlimited talk, text, and data in impacted areas, waived fees for temporary installations, and one month of free call forwarding and messaging services. Contact Residential: 800-791-6661; Small Business: 800-321-2000.

• Cal Fire: Access real-time updates on active wildfires, evacuation orders, fire maps, and tips for fire prevention.

• Caltrans QuickMap: Find real-time updates on road conditions, closures, and wildfire-related impacts for safe travel planning.

Citizen App – Live chat and live video for a hyperlocal perspective.

• Clarity Movement: Use Clarity’s Know Your Air Network to monitor air quality in real time. Provides hyperlocal data to track pollution levels in affected areas.

CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort): Activating at the Pasadena Convention Center to provide shelter, distribute masks, hygiene kits, and other resources for wildfire relief.

FEMA Individual Assistance – Special Needs Assistance Grants: $770 one-time payment to afford immediate needs like food, water, hygiene, and transportation. via @bradsherman

FEMA Individual Assistance – For Housing: The maximum amount a homeowner can receive through the FEMA Individual Assistance grant program for home repair and replacement, and for temporary housing, is up to $43,600. via @bradsherman

FEMA Individual Assistance – For Other Needs: Another $43,600 is available in the form of a grant from FEMA to cover medical expenses, damage to a vehicle, household items/property, funeral expenses, moving/storage, and childcare expenses, etc. via @bradsherman

Fazio Cleaners: Collecting new and gently used clothing, blankets, and brand-new socks and underwear for wildfire victims. Drop off items at Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Sherman Oaks, or Westlake Village locations.

FIREAID Benefit Concert: Set for January 30 at Intuit Dome to support wildfire recovery and prevention. Proceeds will fund rebuilding efforts, aid for displaced families, and fire prevention strategies. Performer and ticket details coming soon.

FlutterPads: Offering free temporary lodging for displaced residents, emergency housing partnerships with property hosts, and free home services for affected property owners, including debris removal and utility management.

• Google: Features SOS Alerts on Google Search, Maps, and Waze, including wildfire boundaries, evacuation routes, and road closures. Google.org supports relief efforts with donations.

HexClad: Donating 10,000 pans to relief organizations supporting wildfire victims in Southern California. Financially assisting chefs feeding firefighters and first responders.

KTLA App - Live updates, evacuation information, and reliable coverage from the KTLA team on the ground.

• LA Metro: Stay updated on wildfire-related disruptions to bus and train services, including potential route changes and closures.

• LADWP: Get updates on power outages, water quality advisories, and wildfire response measures. Call 1-800-DIAL-DWP for assistance.

LAIT911 App – Fire weather forecasts, general alerts, and detailed incidents nearby.

• Los Angeles Fire Department: Provides detailed information on multiple wildfires, evacuation zones, emergency alerts, and safety tips.

• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Offers food assistance to affected individuals and families. Donations can also support wildfire relief efforts.

• Lyft: Use code CAFIRERELIEF25 for 2 free rides (up to $25 each) to shelters or essential resources. Donations can also be made to the American Red Cross directly through the app.

Maria’s Italian Kitchen: Offering a free jar of homemade marinara sauce and a pound of pasta to those affected by the fires and those supporting others in need.

• National Disaster Distress Helpline: Offers free 24/7 crisis counseling for individuals affected by wildfires and other disasters. Call 1-800-985-5990.

• National Weather Service: Stay updated on wildfire conditions, weather alerts, and air quality information for Los Angeles and surrounding areas.

Notify LA – Sign up for Los Angeles emergency text alerts to receive critical updates.

Ortiz Bros. Moving & Storage: Donation site open at 13505 S. Saint Andrews Place, Gardena, CA, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM, collecting bottled water, canned goods, clothing, hygiene products, blankets, towels, phone chargers, diapers, baby formula, and new toys. Contact: (323) 221-3393.

SAG-AFTRA: Donating $1 million to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund to support members impacted by the L.A. County wildfires. Resources are available on the Los Angeles Local webpage.

• Spectrum: Over 35,000 free Wi-Fi hotspots are open to everyone. Crews are ready to restore services as soon as areas are deemed safe. Accounts will be proactively credited for extended outages.

• T-Mobile: Provides unlimited talk, text, and data for customers in impacted areas, including Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre. SpaceX’s Direct to Cell satellites enable basic texting (SMS) without cellular service. Wi-Fi and charging stations are also deployed as needed.

• UFC GYM: Offers free access to showers, locker rooms, recovery services, and Wi-Fi for residents and first responders affected by wildfires. Participating locations include Brea, Corona, Torrance, and more. Donations of essential items are also accepted.

Uber: Use code WILDFIRE25 for a $40 ride credit to active evacuation shelters in Los Angeles County.

• USPS Mail Services: Due to wildfire impacts, post office retail and delivery services have been relocated. Mail pickup locations and effective dates:

  • Altadena Post Office: Pickup at Pasadena Post Office (600 Lincoln Ave, Pasadena, CA 91109-9998). Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM, Sat 9 AM–3 PM, with extended hours on Sun, Jan 12 (11 AM–5 PM). Effective Jan 9, 2025.

  • Pacific Palisades Post Office: Pickup at Rancho Park Post Office (11270 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064-9998). Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM, Sat 9 AM–4 PM, with extended hours on Sun, Jan 12 (11 AM–5 PM). Effective Jan 13, 2025.

  • Topanga Post Office: Pickup at Santa Monica Post Office (1653 7th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401-9997). Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM, Sat 9 AM–3 PM. Effective Jan 14, 2025.

  Mail Forwarding: Customers can reroute mail to temporary locations via the online Change of Address form or by completing PS Form 3575 at any post office.

• USC: Access updates on campus operations and wildfire-related impacts through the USC emergency page.

• Verizon: Waives charges for calls, texts, and data for customers in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and nearby counties. Free Wi-Fi and charging stations available at community centers, including Westwood Recreation Center.

Watch Duty App – Real-time evacuation orders, shelter information, and updates on containment, acres burned, and general fire details.

California Service Corps & YMCA LA: Partnering to support wildfire-affected families with shelter, showers, childcare, mental health support, and basic necessities at YMCA centers. Volunteers and donations needed. Visit ymcala.org/actnow