Over the past few days, wildfires have continued to consume Southern California, devastating Ventura County and Los Angeles. The Thomas Fire that broke out in Ventura on Monday evening has burned at least 90,000 acres of land, destroyed hundreds of homes, and forced more than 100,000 people to evacuate, officials say. In Los Angeles, the Creek Fire has burned over 12,000 acres and the smaller Rye Fire burned across 7,000 acres. The fires have yet to be contained and thousands of residents have been forced to flee from the surrounding areas.
Here are ways to to contribute to the recovery efforts in California:
The United Way of Ventura County is accepting donations via text and online. Text UWVC to 4144 or visit theirwebsite for the Thomas Fire Fund.
The American Red Cross of Ventura County has set up three shelters in the area and is accepting donations. You can text REDCROSS to 90999, visit their website or call 1-800 RED CROSS(1-800-733-2767) to donate money. The Red Cross Los Angeles chapter is providing information on its website about shelters available in the area and accepting donations.
Support Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation’s disaster relief by donating here.
Donate cash or supplies to the Humane Society of Ventura County on their website.
Visit Baby2BabyFire Relief registryto send diapers, formula, blanekys and more to the children and families displaced by the fires.
Update: Since the article was published the wildfires have continued to devastate California’s southern region. Below are the numbers as of Tuesday, December 12th:
Thomas Fire in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties: 234,200 acres, 20% containment, 794 structures destroyed, 187 structures damaged out of at least 18,000 threatened.
Skirball Fire in Bel Air: 422 acres, 85% containment.
Lilac Fire in San Diego County: 4,100 acres, 90% contained, 151 structures destroyed and 56 damaged.
Rye Fire in Santa Clarita: 6,049 acres, 93% containment.
Creek Fire in Sylmar: 15,619 acres, 98% containment, at least 30 structures damaged or destroyed, at least 2,500 homes threatened.