Response to L.A. Wildfires Continues, Three Months In

Direct Relief staff delivered N95 masks to Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project for distribution to people working outdoors during the wildfires. (Photo by Andrew Schoneberger for Direct Relief)
By Staff

On January 7, 2025, devastating wildfires ignited across Los Angeles County, burning nearly 40,000 acres and destroying more than 16,200 homes, businesses, and community facilities.

The fires quickly overwhelmed local emergency services, as intense winds fueled the flames, pushing fires rapidly into densely populated neighborhoods and dramatically escalating the scale and complexity of the disaster.

Tens of thousands of residents were displaced—many evacuated quickly, fleeing dense smoke, hazardous air quality, and congested roads, often with limited personal belongings.

Air quality deteriorated rapidly, exacerbating existing health conditions and limiting access to critical services such as pharmacies and transportation.

Emergency shelters quickly filled to capacity, placing immense pressure on healthcare providers to deliver medical care under extremely challenging circumstances.

Immediate threats to health emerged, especially for those managing chronic illnesses, older adults, and medically vulnerable populations.

Direct Relief’s Response

Within hours of the fires igniting, Direct Relief began dispatching critically needed medications and supplies directly to frontline healthcare teams and emergency responders across Los Angeles, including:

Response to Date: by the Numbers

Over the past three months, Direct Relief’s total assistance surpassed $8.1 million, providing:

Response Spotlight

1. Urgent Care at the Pasadena Evacuation Shelter

At the Pasadena Convention Center, hundreds of evacuees—including older adults, hospice patients, and individuals with chronic health conditions—found refuge and medical assistance. Direct Relief pharmacist Pacience Edwards personally delivered critical supplies, including insulin, glucometers, and respiratory treatments.

“We ripped open the glucometer packaging immediately to assist a patient facing a diabetic emergency,” Edwards recalled. “Medical providers were delivering exceptional care under extraordinarily challenging conditions.”

2. Supporting Search and Rescue Efforts

Los Angeles County Search and Rescue teams played a critical role in evacuations, public safety, and recovery efforts. Direct Relief provided $230,000 in emergency operating funds, protective Nomex gear for 70 search and rescue volunteers, and 20 medical packs specifically designed for disaster triage.

“We did not have sufficient equipment to cover all the needs we had,” said Rob Klusman, a senior team member with Sierra Madre Search and Rescue. “We had to field so many people, in so many different areas, that we were pressed to equip everyone.”

All eight LA County search and rescue teams and four mutual aid teams received emergency operating grants for their response efforts.

3. Protecting Residents Returning to Burn Areas

Fire-impacted areas often contain unstable structures, sharp objects, and potentially toxic ash, so having protective gear and equipment is of critical importance.

Direct Relief, in coordination with the L.A. Fire Department, the L.A. County Department of Public Health, and the City of Pasadena, provided more than 15,000 sets of full-body protective kits to support the safe re-entry of fire-impacted residents returning to their communities and homes.

The kits contained coveralls, N95 respirators, nitrile and work gloves, protective goggles, and shoe covers needed to help protect residents from ash and other hazardous debris.

4. Leveraging Data and Technology

Direct Relief leveraged cutting-edge technology, including AI-driven remote sensing, human mobility data, and geospatial analysis, to enhance its response:

California Wildfires

Critical Medicines Bolster Urgent Care in the Halls of an Evacuation Shelter 

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After Eaton Fire Response, A Search and Rescue Team Gears Up for a Future of Wildfire

Hawai’i Wildfires

Medications Reach Patients Where They Are After L.A. Wildfires

Looking Ahead: Commitment to Long-Term Recovery

Los Angeles communities face a prolonged recovery. The extensive destruction will significantly impact physical and mental health for years, exacerbating chronic diseases, mental health issues, and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.

Direct Relief remains committed to sustained support, including:

Collaboration

Direct Relief was able to supply a large array of medical material support without the expenditure of donor funds due to product donations from healthcare manufacturers and distributors, many of which Direct Relief works with on an ongoing basis.

Direct Relief’s extensive response was significantly strengthened by product donations and financial support from a wide range of supporters, including:

This collaborative effort ensured efficient, targeted, and effective aid reached impacted residents rapidly.

Direct Relief will continue supporting local organizations and healthcare providers, helping communities rebuild stronger and healthier.

Financial Transparency

All fundraising costs are covered by the Direct Relief Foundation, ensuring 100% of designated contributions support wildfire relief efforts.

This report includes preliminary, unaudited figures current as of April 7, 2025. Audited figures aligned with Direct Relief’s fiscal year (ending June 30) will be included in the official FY2024–25 Annual Report.

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