CALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION

RISING FROM THE ASHES

The Foundation’s Swift and Compassionate Response to the LA Fires

WHEN DISASTER STRIKES, many survivors are left with nothing but the clothes on their backs, forced to face overwhelming challenges in the wake of devastation. In these critical moments, the community needs immediate relief and support to begin their recovery journey. The California Fire Foundation’s Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program steps in to help by offering short-term assistance to victims, providing them with $250 gift cards to cover their immediate needs.

On January 7, 2025, Los Angeles County was struck by the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire, both of which ravaged the area, leaving a path of widespread destruction behind them. Thousands of homes were destroyed, damaged, and evacuated, displacing families and leaving them without shelter and basic necessities. In a moment of crisis, the California Fire Foundation swiftly mobilized its resources to support the survivors of these devastating fires.

Within two days of the fires’ onset, the Foundation mobilized — working alongside the California Professional Firefighters staff, Cal-JAC staff, and the Pasadena Fire Department — to distribute immediate relief to the affected community. The aid distribution began at the Pasadena Convention Center, continued at Victory Park, and concluded at the Kaiser Permanente Wildfire Resource Hub.

The relief efforts continued throughout the month, ensuring that support reached as many people as possible. Over the course of four weeks the Foundation distributed 7,263 SAVE cards, assisting a total of 22,979 individuals, including 4,837 children. The SAVE cards provided financial relief to families who were struggling to meet their basic needs, such as food, clothing, temporary housing, and more.

Recognizing that access to food is often one of the most immediate concerns after a disaster, the California Fire Foundation partnered with major food delivery services, including DoorDash, Postmates, and UberEATS to ensure victims had access to hot meals during this difficult time. In addition to SAVE cards, the Foundation distributed 543 DoorDash gift cards, 200 Postmates vouchers, and 2,500 UberEATS vouchers. These partnerships were essential in offering convenience and comfort to those who were temporarily displaced, allowing them to focus on recovery rather than where their next meal was coming from.

Overall, the total value of support provided to the affected community amounted to $2,390,500. This relief effort marked the second largest aid distribution the California Fire Foundation has ever undertaken, following the monumental efforts during the Camp Fire. The collaboration between the Foundation, local fire departments, and community partners showcased the power of collective action in the face of adversity.