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:
- N95 respirators and protective equipment to mitigate severe smoke exposure for residents and first responders.
- Prescription medications for chronic illnesses, crucial for evacuees who lost access to pharmacies.
- Emergency medical kits to evacuation shelters and community health centers for immediate medical care.
Response to Date: by the Numbers
Over the past three months, Direct Relief’s total assistance surpassed $8.1 million, providing:
- 422 shipments totaling more than 54 tons of essential medications and medical supplies delivered to 77 local health and community organizations.
- More than 130,000 3M-donated N95 respirators distributed in collaboration with public health departments, incident command centers, Gap Inc., the YMCA, and numerous health centers and clinics across L.A.
- Nearly 16,000 burn zone re-entry kits distributed through the L.A. Fire Department, L.A. County Department of Public Health, the City of Pasadena, and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.
- $5.3 million in emergency operating grants awarded to 56 community-based organizations, including health clinics, mobile medical units, women’s health groups, and search-and-rescue teams.
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:
- Real-time evacuation tracking through tools like ReadyMapper and CrisisReady informed proactive resource distribution.
- Damage modeling identified healthcare facilities at greatest risk, guiding urgent aid deliveries.
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:
- 3M
- Abbott
- AbbVie
- Activision
- Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
- American Society of Nephrology
- Amgen
- Amgen Foundation
- Anthem Blue Cross Foundation
- Banc of California
- Bayer
- BD
- Best Best & Krieger LLP
- BioMarin
- BMO (Bank of Montreal)
- Cipla
- Community West Bank
- Deckers Brands
- Dexcom
- Dodge & Cox
- Gap Inc.
- GE Healthcare
- Genentech
- Genmab
- Haleon
- Henry Schein
- Hologic
- Humble Bundle
- International Society Nephrology
- Jazz
- Kenvue
- Living Proof
- Maravai Lifesciences Foundation
- McDonald’s
- Mediclo
- Merck & Co.
- Merz Therapeutics
- Meta
- Moderna
- National Basketball Association
- O’Melveny & Myers LLP
- Ono Hawaiian BBQ
- Pura Vida
- Recording Academy® and MusiCares®
- Ricola
- Riot Games Social Impact Fund
- Snap Inc.
- Society of Thoracic Surgeons
- Sonos
- Sullivan & Cromwell Foundation
- Tom’s of Maine
- Universal Music Group
- Vertex
- Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
- Wescom Foundation
- Yardi Systems
- Zeno Group
This collaborative effort ensured efficient, targeted, and effective aid reached impacted residents rapidly.
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:
- Continued medical supply deliveries to clinics and mobile teams.
- Long-term financial support for healthcare and mental health services.
- Community resilience initiatives through preparedness and targeted interventions.
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.
