Red Cross helping as fires destroy entire California neighborhoods
Californians urged to remain vigilant; follow evacuation orders
Hundreds of American Red Cross workers are helping southern California residents fleeing from the massive and fast-moving wildfires that have destroyed homes of all kinds and sizes. The Red Cross is focused on making sure everyone has a safe place to stay and no one faces this heartbreaking crisis alone.
The combination of dry fuels, hurricane-force winds and low humidity have fed the fires, challenging efforts to contain the blazes as they consume tens of thousands of acres. The threat isn’t over. Critical fire weather will continue through Friday and then again next week. It’s imperative that people remain vigilant, be prepared to evacuate and follow instructions from local authorities as this situation continues to evolve.
Alongside partners, disaster teams are working to provide safe shelter, food, emotional support and other relief services. In addition, the organization is mobilizing hundreds more disaster workers to support the wildfire victims and moving truckloads of supplies like cots, blankets and water to be ready to support thousands of people in emergency shelters if needed.
Right now, many are struggling with the uncertainty of whether they’ll still have a home or community to return to in the days ahead. If you or a loved one needs help, reach out to the free 24/7 multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for support.
While Red Crossers help in California, preparations are also being made to respond to the massive winter storm affecting millions of people across the South. Learn more here.
RECONNECT WITH LOVED ONES If you need assistance locating a missing loved one because of the fires, the Red Cross may be able to help. Reach us at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and be ready to provide as much detail as possible to assist us in potentially locating your missing loved one.
FIND A SHELTER Anyone who needs a safe place to stay can find shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps. You can also follow your local Red Cross or emergency officials on social media, sign up for free local government alerts or monitor local news.
Red Cross shelters are open to everyone in need, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability or citizenship status. All disaster assistance is free. We don’t require people to show any kind of identification to enter a shelter — just their name and where they were living before the disaster.
If possible, we encourage people who plan to stay in a shelter to bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, other comfort items and important documents. Don’t forget to bring any special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, or for family members who have unique needs.
HOW YOU CAN HELP To ensure people have the help they need, the Red Cross depends on public support. Please click, text or call to support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like fires, storms and countless other crises. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.
For those interested in helping people specifically affected by the recent wildfires, we ask that they write “California Wildfires 2025” in the memo line of a check and mail it with a completed donation form to the address on the form or to their local Red Cross chapter. Find the donation form at redcross.org/donate.
USEFUL LINKS:
https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2025/red-cross-helping-in-southern-california-as-wildfires-force-thousands-from-their-homes.html
