Los Angeles Fires: Tracking, Evacuation, and How to Volunteer
As fires fueled by relentless winds continue to burn out of control from the coastal Pacific Palisades to Pasadena in Los Angeles County, thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes with some abandoning their cars in their attempts to flee. At least five people have died in the Eaton Canyon fire and others, including firefighters, have suffered “significant” injuries.
The Santa Ana windstorm described as the strongest in a decade is expected to cause unpredictable conditions through Thursday, and fires have continued to spread and erupt in different locations. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone warned that the National Weather Service issued a red flag weather alert, indicating an increased risk of extreme winds and low humidity, putting “all residents of Los Angeles County in danger.”
Officials have advised residents told to evacuate to do so immediately. Staying informed on the fires’ movements, and knowing how to prepare and when to evacuate are imperative at this time. Here are resources to stay up to date, safe, and help Angelenos impacted by the devastating fires.
Tracking the Fires
To get real-time updates and alerts, download the Watch Duty app. According to the site, the app is backed by a team of volunteers and staff — active and retired firefighters, dispatchers, engineers, and radio operators.
For coverage via satellite data, red flag warnings, and detailed information on fire perimeters, behavior, containment, and even cause, download the Fire Spot app.
You can also sign up for email, text, and phone alerts specific to counties in Southern California including: Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and San Diego County.
Evacuation and Shelters, Resources
The Los Angeles Fire Department advises that residents told to evacuate should leave early in order for “your family the best chance of surviving a wildfire.” Leaving early also prevents roads from becoming congested, and allows firefighters and other first responders to move in and out of affected areas quickly. For a map of road closures in L.A. county go here (note, map may not fully updated).
In order to prepare for evacuation, the department has outlined a Wildfire Action Plan with a checklist that includes preparation steps and safety tips. Residents are also advised to not wait until they’re told by officials to leave, as updates may be delayed during intense disasters. If you think it’s time to evacuate, do so immediately.
Shelters
Westwood Recreation Center (pets in travel carriers/crates welcomed)
1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
El Camino Real Charter High School
5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Pasadena Convention Center
300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101
Arcadia Community Center
375 Campus Dr, Arcadia, CA 91007
Ritchie Valens Recreation Center
10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331
Animal Shelters
Agoura Animal Care Center
29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Los Angeles Equestrian Center (for large animals)
480 Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506
Pierce College Equestrian Center (for large animals)
6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Additional Resources
Airbnb Free, Temporary Housing
For those displaced by the fires, Airbnb is partnering with the 211 LA to provide free, temporary housing. The company added that the y are “focused on residents who have either lost their home or been forced to evacuate in the Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica and Sylmar areas.”
Impacted residents can request temporary housing via Airbnb.org by filling out this intake form with 211 LA.
Planet Fitness
Residents, first responders, and others affected by the fires have free access to locker rooms, showers, HydroMassage loungers, electrical outlets, and Wi-Fi until Jan. 15 at Planet Fitness locations across Los Angeles that have not impacted. No membership needed.
Where to Help Those Impacted by the Fires
American Red Cross Los Angeles Region
The organization offers emergency relief such as meals, medical care, and shelter to residents impacted by disasters.
Canine Rescue Club
Those in the Los Angeles area can apply to foster dogs displaced by the fires.
YMCA Locations in Koreatown
The Anderson Munger Family YMCA and the Koreatown YMCA Center for Community Well-being are accepting donations of unopened food, N95 respirators, clothing, blankets, and dog and cat food.
Drop-off locations (Note, N95 respirators available from 1-5 p.m. only):
Anderson Munger Family YMCA: 4301 W. 3rd St. in Los Angeles. Closes at 10 p.m
Koreatown YMCA: 433 S. Vermont Ave. in Los Angeles. Closes at 7 p.m.
