LA Wildfires - How You Can Help

Helicopters battling the Palisades Fire, January 2025

We have all been horrified and saddened by the devastating impact of the LA wildfires which at the time of publication, are still raging and threatening more lives, structures and vegetation in southern California. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted by these fires.

As an organization which supports our Northern California SCI wheelchair users, NorCal SCI and its members are also aware that these wildfires have disproportionately impacted the disability community, exacerbating existing challenges and creating new dangers. Evacuations become significantly more difficult for individuals with mobility impairments and the loss of assistive devices, disruption of essential services, and inaccessibility of some shelters compound these difficulties, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive emergency planning that prioritizes the safety and well-being of people with disabilities.

We are fortunate to be able to rely on the resources supplied by the Triumph Foundation (a Southern California SCI-focused non-profit, much like us) so if you’re looking for ways to help your SoCal community, please check out these links below.

Here’s a story about one disabled person’s escape from one of the LA fires for reference:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/10/fleeing-california-wildfires-los-angeles

If you wish to help:

California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund: calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund

Direct Relief: directrelief.org

Mutual Aid LA: Direct support for those in need. Visit mutualaidla.org

If you’d like to be prepared:

The Triumph Foundation will be hosting a disaster preparedness workshop and listening session with Listos California on Tuesday, January 21st. Learn more