The devastating wildfires in Southern California have caused significant loss and hardship. Oregon’s Department of Emergency Management extends our support to all affected and offers guidance on how you can assist in meaningful ways.

How You Can Help Those Affected by the California Wildfires

Financial Gifts Are the Best Way to Help!

• Financial support to voluntary agencies responding to this disaster is the most effective way to help.
• Cash donations allow disaster agencies to purchase exactly what is needed, when it’s needed.
• Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts, and, if possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, which support economic recovery.
• To find a list of trusted organizations, additional information on donations and other resources, visit National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.

Volunteering: Stay Safe and Be Patient

• Do not self-deploy to the fire-affected areas. Unplanned volunteers can interfere with response efforts.
• Please contact an agency to coordinate efforts.
• To learn about volunteer opportunities, call 2-1-1 or visit https://www.californiavolunteers.ca.gov/

Material Donations: Confirm What, Where and When

• Avoid donating material items unless you know exactly what is needed, where it is needed and when. Cash is best.
• Do not donate used clothing or household items—they often go to waste and clog up relief operations.
• Donate based on specific agency requests. Not everything is needed.

Other Ways to Help

• Host a fundraiser or yard sale and donate the proceeds to relief agencies.
• If you’ve collected items that aren’t needed for wildfire relief, consider donating them to a local charitable organization.
• Sign up to receive the latest updates and news on response and recovery needs on the Cal OES News website.

Stay Connected

Additional Resources

• Red Cross: 1-800-RED-CROSS
• FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) Resources. Three Ways to Apply:
• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• On the FEMA App for mobile devices
• The FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362
• CAL FIRE – California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
• City of Los Angeles Twitter/X account
• Los Angeles County Twitter/X account
• FEMA Twitter/X account
• Los Angeles County Emergency & Resources

Let’s continue to stand together in support of our neighbors in Southern California. Thank you for your generosity and willingness to help.