Standing Together During the LA Wildfires: A Guide to Resources and Support

Standing Together During the LA Wildfires A Guide to Resources and Support

Last week, wildfires in Los Angeles County killed at least 24 people and caused major destruction, with the fires still burning through the weekend. More strong winds and bad weather are expected to continue. As of Sunday, January 12, 2025, 16 people are still missing, and that number might go up. Moreover, the cause of the fires hasn’t been determined yet, but they might end up being the most expensive in US history. 

Here at Vulcan Vents, we do more than make fire prevention products; we’re a part of the LA community. These wildfires have hit us hard, and our hearts go out to everyone affected. For years, we’ve helped many homeowners and businesses across the USA protect against wildfires. To help out, we’ve put together a detailed guide with updates on the wildfires, local resources you can use, and tips on how to stay safe during these tough times.

Wildfires and Their Impact on Los Angeles

A fire official has reported that the Eaton and Palisades Fires are likely to rank as the second and fourth most destructive wildfires in California’s history. Last week, multiple fires ignited across various regions of the greater Los Angeles area, with the Eaton Fire near Pasadena in the northeast and the Palisades Fire in the coastal area of Pacific Palisades being the largest and most damaging. The government is working tirelessly to assist the affected residents.

Pacific Palisades (Palisades Fire) 

The Palisades Fire has devastated a vast area, consuming over 23,700 acres and currently standing at 13% containment. The wildfire has destroyed more than 9,000 homes and businesses, profoundly impacting the community. As a result, approximately 100,000 residents have been forced to leave their homes & seek safety. For ongoing updates on the fire and containment efforts, residents can visit the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s website at lacountyfire.org, which provides the most current information.

Evacuation Shelters

Several evacuation shelters have been established to accommodate displaced residents and provide relief in response to the wildfires. These shelters offer a safe place for you and your families affected by the fires, ensuring access to essential food, water, and medical care. Here are the evacuation shelters you might be looking for near you: 

  • Lanark Recreation Center
    Address: 21816 Lanark St, Canoga Park, CA 91304
  • Calvary Community Church
    Address: 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village, CA 91362
  • El Camino Real Charter High School (Relocated to Ritchie Valens Recreation Center below)
    Address: 5440 Valley Circle Boulevard, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
  • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center
    Address: 10736 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Pacoima, CA 91331
  • Pasadena Convention Center
    Address: 300 E Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
  • Stoner Recreation Center
    Address: 1835 Stoner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025
  • Westwood Recreation Center

Address: 1350 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025

  • Pan Pacific Recreation Center

Address: 7600 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036

  • Pomona Fairplex (Gate 3)

Address: 601 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768

  • Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Recreation Center

Address: 14201 Huston St., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Altadena and Surrounding Areas (Eaton Fire) 

In Altadena, the Eaton Fire has scorched more than 14,117 acres, leading to significant damage and loss of life. The webpage of the City of Pasadena is your official source for the latest safety information, resources, and response efforts related to the Eaton Fire. Our priority is the safety and well-being of our community—check back frequently for new updates, official statements, and emergency response teams. For more information, click here.

Evacuation Shelters

Residents of Altadena, Kinneloa Mesa, La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Arcadia, and Monrovia can find information on evacuation shelters here.

  • El Camino Real Charter High School  

Address: 5440 Valley Circle Boulevard, Woodland Hills, CA 91367

  • Pasadena Convention Center

Address: 300 East Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101

Animal Evacuation Shelters

Small Animals

  • Pasadena Humane 

Address: 361 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103

Large Animals

  • Industry Hills Expo Center 

Address:16200 Temple, City of Industry, CA 91744

  • Pomona Fairplex (Gate 3) 

Address:1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768 (Small and Large Animals)

San Fernando Valley (Hurst Fire) 

The Hurst Fire, currently active in the San Fernando Valley, has consumed approximately 799 acres of land. As of the latest reports, the fire is 89% contained, significantly reducing the immediate threat but posing potential risks to nearby residential and commercial areas. Residents and business owners are advised to visit the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s website at fire.ca.gov for ongoing updates and real-time information regarding the fire situation. 

Evacuation Shelters

  • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center

Address: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331

Animal Evacuation Shelters

Small Animal Shelters

  • Baldwin Park Animal Care Center

Address: 4275 Elton St., Baldwin Park

  • Carson Animal Care Center

Address: 216 W Victoria St., Gardena, CA

  • Downey Animal Care Center

Address: 11258 Garfield Ave., Downey

  • El Camino High School 

Address: 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367, USA

  • Lancaster Animal Care Center

Address: 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster

Palmdale Animal Care Center 

  • Address: 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale

Large Animal Shelters

  • Castaic Animal Care Center 

Address: 31044 Charlie Canyon, Castaic

  • Pomona Fairplex

Address: 1101 W McKinley Ave., Pomona

  • Industry Hills Expo 

Address: 16200 Temple Ave., City of Industry

  • Los Angeles Equestrian Center 

Address:480 W Riverside Dr., Burbank

Additional Fires 

Recent fire reports indicate two lesser-known but fully contained fires in California. The Lidia Fire has successfully been contained after burning 395 acres, and the Sunset Fire, slightly smaller, also reached 100% containment after affecting 43 acres. For individuals seeking further support and resources in dealing with the aftermath of these fires, please consult the California Office of Emergency Services’ dedicated website for wildfire recovery at wildfirerecovery.caloes.ca.gov.

Local Emergency Resources

  • General Assistance and Information: Los Angeles County provides an array of emergency-related information accessible at lacounty.gov/emergency, offering crucial resources for residents facing natural disasters, including wildfires. Additionally, the California Office of Emergency Services outlines specific details regarding wildfire recovery assistance on its website at caloes.ca.gov. For those requiring federal disaster aid, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers assistance and resources, which can be accessed at disasterassistance.gov.
  • Animal Shelter and Care Facilities: For smaller pets affected by emergencies, the Agoura Animal Care Center, located at 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, California, offers shelter and care. Additionally, larger animals such as horses and livestock can find refuge at the Pierce College Equestrian Center, 6201 Winnetka Avenue, Woodland Hills, California. These facilities provide necessary care and support for animals displaced or endangered by local emergencies.

How to Keep Yourself Safe?

  • Air Quality Management: The smoke produced by wildfires has a severe impact on air quality, potentially affecting health. To minimize exposure to harmful particles, it’s advisable to stay indoors as much as possible, keep all windows and doors tightly closed, and use air purifiers to maintain indoor air cleanliness. If you need to venture outside, protect your respiratory health by wearing an N95 mask, which can filter out most particulate matter.
  • Evacuation Preparedness: In the event of an evacuation order, being prepared can make a significant difference. Assemble a go-bag well in advance, including essentials such as bottled water, non-perishable food, necessary medications, and important documents like identification and insurance papers. This bag should be easily accessible so you can leave quickly and efficiently if an evacuation becomes necessary.
  • Power Outage Readiness: Wildfires can often lead to power outages, which may last for an extended period. Prepare by keeping flashlights, a supply of extra batteries, and other alternative light sources readily available. Additionally, ensure that all essential electronic devices are fully charged. Consider investing in a portable power bank or generator for extended power supply capabilities, which can be particularly useful during prolonged blackouts.

Our Role in Community Protection

At Vulcan Vents, our commitment to community safety is deeply rooted in our understanding of the risks of living in wildfire-prone regions. Our specialty is designing and manufacturing fire-rated vents that protect homes from embers, which are a common cause of home ignitions during wildfires. These vents are made to ensure proper air circulation while offering robust protection against external fire elements.

We take our role in protecting homes personally, recognizing the significance of what we do for families living in high-risk areas. Our mission is not just about business; it’s about ensuring our customers’ safety and peace of mind. To learn more about how our products can safeguard your home, please visit vulcanvents.com.

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