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Evacuees from the Palisades fire are seen at an evacuation and shelter center at Westwood Recreation Center in Los Angeles, California, on January 8, 2025. A ferocious wildfire in a Los Angeles suburb devoured buildings and sparked panicked evacuations January 7, as hurricane-force winds tore through the region. More than 200 acres (80 hectares) was burning in Pacific Palisades, a upscale spot with multi-million dollar homes in the Santa Monica Mountains. Across town, on the northern edge of Los Angeles, another fire broke out in Eaton Canyon, near Pasadena, quickly consuming 200 acres (81 hectares) later in the night, according to Angeles National Forest officials. (Photo by Agustin PAULLIER / AFP) (Photo by AGUSTIN PAULLIER/AFP via Getty Images)
As major fires have spread across Los Angeles County, more than 150,000 people have been forced from their homes. Numerous organizations are providing assistance, from free meals to discounted hotel stays, for those affected. Below is a partial list of resources which may be useful if you are in need of assistance.
Housing:
- Airbnb and 211LA are offering free temporary housing for 31,500 people who are impacted by the fires. Survivors, evacuees, firefighters and first responders are all eligible. Those seeking aid should fill out Airbnb’s intake form.
- Long Beach’s Queen Mary Hotel has announced a discounted rate of $189 per night, which includes breakfast for two people.
- The Hotel Association of L.A. maintains a dynamic list of hotels offering discounted room rates to evacuees. Over 150 hotels are listed as of Friday.
- Visit Anaheim maintains a list of hotels offering discounts to those impacted.
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency can provide reimbursement for expenses incurred as a result of natural disasters. Those affected are encouraged to register.
Transportation:
- Uber is offering a $40 credit to L.A. County residents who have been ordered to evacuate their homes. The discount is available only for trips to an active shelter using the code WILDFIRE25.
- Lyft users can get two $25 vouchers to travel to disaster shelters when using the code CAFIRERELIEF25 until Jan. 15.
- Metro has suspended fare collection on all buses and trains as of Thursday.
Food:
- L.A. Food Bank maintains a network of pantry organizations which are equipped to provide food. A map of locations can be found here.
- Numerous restaurants are offering free or discounted meals to evacuees, first responders and firefighters.
Other:
- Planet Fitness offers access to locker rooms, showers, electrical outlets and Wi-Fi through Jan. 15 at locations not impacted by wildfires. A list of participating gyms has been reported at KTLA.
- UFC Gym is likewise offering access to its locker rooms, showers, Wi-Fi and electrical outlets at most L.A. area locations.
- Babyletto has made free baby cribs available to families impacted by the fires.
Verizon and AT&T have waived fees for calls, texts, and data in the areas most impacted. A list of zip codes in which the AT&T offer applies can be found here.
