The L.A. Wildfires: Looking Back on a Year of Response

In January 2025, fast-moving wildfires ignited across Los Angeles County, consuming more than 50,000 acres and destroying nearly 16,000 homes, business, and other structures.

At the height of the crises, nearly 200,000 residents were evacuated, while countless more faced hazardous air quality, widespread power outages, water quality concerns, and elevated stress and anxiety.

Official records indicate the two largest wildfires—the Palisades and Eaton Fires—killed 31 people, though emerging research suggests the true human toll is significantly larger, with excess mortality driven by the health consequences of smoke inhalation, disrupted care, and other indirect factors.

Even before the first spark, Direct Relief was monitoring the situation following the issuance of High Wind and Fire Weather Watches across L.A. County. When the fires broke out, Direct Relief quickly mobilized, activating emergency response teams; extending offers of assistance to long-standing clinical, government, and nonprofit partners; and delivering critically needed relief items, such as N95 respirators, field medic packs for first responders, hygiene items for displaced households, and prescription medications for health providers addressing surges in respiratory complications and other illnesses.

As the response evolved, so too did Direct Relief’s approach, shifting from immediate relief to sustained investments in healthcare access, mental health support, housing stability, direct assistance, and community-led recovery throughout Los Angeles County.

Nearly one year later, recovery efforts continue, with many households still experiencing displacement, housing instability, and mounting financial strain. A recent survey of fire-impacted communities by Department of Angels found that many households are depleting savings and incurring debt, forcing one in five survey households earning less than $100,000 annually to cut back on food, and one in six to cut back on medical care.

In total, Direct Relief has delivered more than $18 million in aid to communities throughout Los Angeles County since the fires began. That includes $6.4 million in material medical aid to 45 healthcare facilities and 28 government or community agencies in L.A. County over the past year, and $12.3 million in grants to 68 L.A. County organizations in the same period.

With the continued support of thousands of generous donors, Direct Relief remains committed to working alongside local, community-based organizations to identify and address ongoing needs and support long-term recovery.

Emergency Response: The First 90 Days

As the fires spread, Direct Relief mobilized support for people affected by the rapid evacuations, hazardous air quality, and disruptions to care. In close coordination with first responders, public health authorities, and frontline health facilities, Direct Relief prioritized the rapid delivery of essential medications, medical supplies, and other relief items, as well as the delivery of emergency operating grants to organizations responding to acute needs.

Immediate support included:

• More than 320 shipments of essential medications, medical supplies, and relief items. Antibiotics; diagnostic equipment to test for respiratory viruses, such as flu and COVID-19; hepatitis A, B, and Tdap vaccines; hygiene products; infant formula; nutritional shakes; and medications to manage diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, respiratory diseases, and other chronic conditions were all provided.
• More than 288,000 3M-donated N95 respirators distributed directly to residents, in collaboration with public health departments, incident command centers, Gap Inc., the YMCA, and numerous health centers and clinics across L.A.
• Nearly 16,000 sets of personal protective gear to allow residents to safely renter their communities, distributed by the L.A. Fire Department, L.A. County Department of Public Health, the City of Pasadena, and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.
• $4.4 million in grants to support search-and-rescue teams conducting rescues in wildfire zones, providers offering emergency health services through mobile clinics and onsite services, and other groups meeting the most urgent needs in their communities.

Community Stabilization and Early Recovery: Months Three to 12

Following the initial response phase, Direct Relief worked with local partners to expand support for community stabilization and early recovery, continuing to supply local nonprofit healthcare providers across L.A. County with millions of dollars’ worth of essential medicines and medical supplies, while directing financial resources to health facilities and community-based organizations leading recovery efforts.

In total, Direct Relief provided $7.9 million in additional funding for mental health services, school-based recovery, housing stability, mobile medical clinics and other health access initiatives, and to help build preparedness for future emergencies. Funding prioritized organizations serving children, older adults, frontline workers, and people facing elevated health risks due to chronic health conditions, prolonged displacement, economic hardship, or other barriers to care.

“Louis*, a retired postal worker, and his wife Celia* lost their Altadena home of nearly 40 years in the Eaton Fire — a devastating blow to the life they built raising two sons. While insurance covered hotel stays and some temporary housing, the remaining funds were reserved for rebuilding, leaving them without essentials. They also lost their car, making it difficult and costly to attend medical appointments,” The Change Reaction told Direct Relief.

Recognizing the extensive financial burdens placed on those who lost their homes, businesses, or livelihoods during the fires, Direct Relief awarded The Change Reaction, a community-based nonprofit that provides financial support to individuals and families during difficult life events, with $500,000 to support their wildfire response and recovery efforts. With Direct Relief’s support, the organization has provided rental assistance, furniture, clothing, and other direct assistance to help stabilize more than 100 people affected by the fires to date.

* Names have been changed to protect individuals’ privacy.

“These supporters face unique risks. Prolonged pressure, heavy workloads, and repeated exposure to trauma can lead to burnout, decision fatigue, and emotional exhaustion. When their capacity is diminished, the flow-on effects are profound: service delivery slows, decision-making suffers, and the pace of community recovery is hindered. In some cases, turnover or withdrawal of these key people can leave lasting gaps in local support systems,” a Hummingly representative explained.

Direct Relief provided $50,000 to enable nonprofit partner Hummingly to deliver a series of Sustaining the Supporters workshops for leaders, frontline workers, and community organizations engaged in the wildfire recovery efforts, many of whom lost their own homes during the fires. These workshops equip participants with practical, evidence-based tools to sustain their wellbeing and effectiveness, ensuring they can continue providing essential assistance to the people and communities who need it most.

Though many communities across L.A. continue to navigate challenges related to housing stability, health access, and economic recovery, there are hopeful signs that recovery is well underway. Health and mental health services are being restored, businesses are reopening, and families and neighborhoods are starting to rebuild.

As California’s wildfire season increasingly becomes a year-round threat, Direct Relief remains committed to supporting L.A.’s ongoing recovery while strengthening preparedness for future crises. Through sustained investments in health systems, community-based recovery, and resilience-building efforts, Direct Relief is committed to the well-being of L.A. County residents, ensuring communities are able to recover fully and that they emerge stronger, healthier, and more resilient.

Direct Relief’s response was made possible due to the generous support of many thousands of corporations, foundations, healthcare companies, individuals, and other organizations that collectively mobilized millions of dollars in financial support and in-kind medical donations for the people of L.A.

These contributions enabled Direct Relief to act quickly and effectively, delivering essential medicines and relief items, as well as financial assistance, to the healthcare providers and community-based organizations at the forefront of the response and recovery.