There are now at least 24 people dead, over 12,000 structures destroyed, 36,000 acres burned (an area the size of Washington, D.C.), 150,000 already ordered to evacuate, another 166,000 warned they may need to flee and still 92,000 under evacuation orders. 8,500 firefighters have come in from all over the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Civil authorities are responding the best they can, but the situation at this point is out of control. And more winds over 70 mph are forecast for the area.

Districts 5280 and 5300 have been heavily impacted and are deeply engaged in organizing disaster relief efforts. Those Rotarians are responding to the best of their ability, but many have been personally affected. Our Rotary colleagues in these Districts have activated District Disaster Relief Funds to assist the victims of the fires. District 5280 (Los Angeles) has also created a Resource Directory and online spreadsheet for In-Kind Donations.

For information and links to District 5280’s Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund and other resources, please click here: https://rotary5280.org/page/2025-wildfire-disaster-relief

For information and a link to District 5300’s Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund, please click here: https://www.district5300.org/ca-wild-fires