Los Angeles Wildfires Force Thousands to Evacuate, Community Rallies to Help

LOS ANGELES — Ash fell from a smoke-filled sky Thursday as thousands of Angelenos fled their homes amid raging wildfires, seeking refuge at Red Cross shelters across the city. The Palisades Fire, fueled by dry conditions and powerful winds, has killed at least five people and forced nearly 180,000 residents to evacuate, with many finding temporary shelter at the Westwood Recreation Center and other locations.

“The devastation, the destruction, I never thought this would happen,” said Johnnie Burman, 64, a Santa Monica evacuee who left his home with only a lantern and flashlight. Burman, like many others, is under mandatory evacuation orders as firefighters struggle to contain the blaze. The Westwood Recreation Center, one of four shelters operated by the Red Cross, housed over 240 people Thursday, up from just 20 two days prior.

Volunteers and community members have stepped up to support evacuees, donating food, clothing, and toys. Jay Gutovich, 37, of West Los Angeles, dropped off children’s toys at the shelter, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity. “The focus needs to be on helping people right now,” Gutovich said. “We’re all on the same team.”

At the Pasadena Convention Center, similar efforts were underway as evacuees from the Eaton Fire gathered. Local businesses, including the Yeastie Boys bagel chain and SOCALO restaurant, provided free meals, while volunteers distributed water and sandwiches. The city of Pasadena announced it could no longer accept donations due to an overwhelming response, thanking residents for their generosity.

Terry Avery, 47, who lost her Altadena home, arrived at the shelter with her family and dog. “We lost everything, and we can’t get up there yet, so we’re here with all the goodness of others,” she said. Avery praised the community’s kindness, which has helped her family cope with the devastation.

Matthew Barnett, founder of the LA Dream Center, is leading efforts to provide financial support and essential supplies to displaced residents. “It’s like a ghost town in a lot of these communities,” Barnett said. The Dream Center, which opened in 1996, is serving private rooms, food, and necessities to those in need. Australian chef Wolfgang Puck donated 2,000 meals Friday, which Barnett said were depleted within two hours.

Celebrities, including Snoop Dogg and Florence Pugh, have also rallied behind the Dream Center, sharing posts on social media to raise awareness and encourage donations. Barnett emphasized the importance of community support during the crisis, stating, “When you take care of hurting people, miracles happen.”

As firefighters continue to battle the flames, the Los Angeles community remains united in its efforts to support those affected by the wildfires. The Red Cross and local organizations are working tirelessly to provide shelter, food, and comfort to evacuees, many of whom have lost everything.