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Direct Relief Mobilizes Aid for the Canyon Fire in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties

As two major wildfires continue to burn across California, communities grapple with evacuations, poor air quality, and health impacts

News

Wildfires

Thousands of Los Angeles and Ventura County residents are under evacuation orders and warnings as the Canyon Fire erupted overnight, (Image courtesy of County of Los Angeles)
By Brea Burkholz

Direct Relief is responding to two wildfires in California—supporting communities under evacuation from the rapidly spreading Canyon Fire in Los Angeles County while continuing to address smoke-related health risks from the massive Gifford Fire on the Central Coast. 

The Canyon Fire, which ignited Thursday near Lake Piru, has burned nearly 5,000 acres. Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for roughly 5,000 people and 700 structures, with an additional 11,000 residents and 4,700 structures under evacuation warnings.  

Often as a result of being evacuated, displaced individuals experience disruption in essential healthcare, including lack of access to critically needed medications. People living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension may be forced to leave home without the medicines or supplies they rely on daily. Within a 20-mile radius of the Canyon Fire, seven Direct Relief–supported health centers are part of a critical network needed to ensure that displaced and impacted residents can refill prescriptions and receive care during and after the emergency. The organization has contacted each location, offering any medical aid assistance needed.  

Meanwhile, the Gifford Fire—now the state’s largest wildfire of the year—has burned nearly 100,000 acres across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, significantly reducing air quality. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, aggravating asthma and worsening other respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Children, older adults, and people with chronic health issues are especially vulnerable.  

Direct Relief’s Response 

To ensure resources are targeted where they’re needed most, Direct Relief has initiated coordination with the Ventura County Fire Department, Ventura County Office of Emergency Management, Search and Rescue Teams from both Ventura and Santa Clarity Valley, and public health departments in both Los Angeles and Ventura counties to support Canyon Fire response.  

On the Gifford Fire, the organization is working with the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management and other Central Coast community partners to supply protective equipment, air purifiers, and emergency medical resources to evacuation points and community resource centers serving impacted residents. A particular focus has included supporting agricultural workers who continue to work outdoors despite poor air quality conditions. 

In the past week, Direct Relief has distributed 24,000 free N95 masks to residents across Santa Barbara County, including distributions in Buellton, as well as pick-up locations at the Santa Barbara Public Library and Direct Relief’s headquarters in Goleta. 

Earlier This Year: Rapid Support for LA Wildfire-Affected Communities 

When catastrophic wildfires swept through Los Angeles County in January 2025, Direct Relief mobilized within hours, delivering essential medicines to evacuation shelters and emergency medical packs to first responders on the front lines. Over the following weeks, the organization provided $12.7 million in medical and financial assistance to 65 community organizations, ranging from search-and-rescue teams to school-based groups supporting students coping with trauma. This swift, coordinated response built on Direct Relief’s longstanding partnerships with local health providers and emergency services, ensuring resources reached those most in need—both during the immediate crisis and in the months that followed. 

A Trusted Local and Statewide Partner 

Based in Santa Barbara for more than 75 years, Direct Relief has responded to major wildfires in California for several decades, from immediate relief during evacuations to long-term health recovery efforts. The organization’s ability to rapidly mobilize protective equipment, essential medicines, and support for health providers positions it as a critical partner in safeguarding community health during wildfire season. 

As the Canyon Fire continues to burn and the Gifford Fire’s smoke affects Central Coast communities, Direct Relief will remain engaged with local response networks to address emerging needs. 

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