How to Help Those Impacted by the Northern California Wildfires

Coming as a surprise to no one, 2020 has also brought with it a particularly intense fire season. So even if you’re not living somewhere that could be impacted by an “extremely active” hurricane season, you’re not in the clear in terms of natural disasters occurring during a global pandemic. At the moment, there are several active wildfires occurring in northern California, as well as in other parts of western U.S. states like Colorado, Washington and Oregon. Here are a few ways to help those affected by the massive fires.

Centre for Disaster Philanthropy

The Centre for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) is the only full-time national resource in the U.S. dedicated to helping donors maximise their impact by making more intentional disaster-related giving decisions. You can donate directly to their California Wildfires Recovery Fund or, to support the recovery efforts for fires burning in other parts of North America, donate to their Disaster Recovery Fund.

California Fire Foundation

It’s important to keep the firefighters on the frontlines of these fires in mind, too. This organisation provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect. You can donate here.

Latino Community Foundation NorCal Wildfire Relief Fund

This foundation directly funds local Latinx frontline community partners who are helping those affected by the recent wildfires. You can donate to their efforts here.

Community Foundation Santa Cruz County

This organisation focuses specifically on helping those affected by the CZU August Lightning Complex Fires. They provide information on how/where to donate supplies, volunteer to work at a shelter and donate towards their work.

Off the Grid NorCal Fire Fund

This organisation is seeking donations to provide meals for those impacted by the Bay Area fires. If you are a corporate partner or food truck business and wish to help, more information is available here.

California Community Foundation

This organisation provides immediate, mid- and long term recovery efforts for major California wildfires. You can donate here.

Silicon Valley Community Foundation

The Silicon Valley Community Foundation has established a fund that benefits individuals and families affected by the wildfires. You can donate to their work here.

Ranger Foundation

This organisation provides relief grants to park workers, including volunteers, seasonal employees and retirees who have suffered loss due to the wildfires. You can donate here.

American Red Cross

The Red Cross has a fund set up to help those impacted by the recent wildfires. To donate, visit their website, and select “California Wildfires” from the drop-down menu labelled “I want to support.”