Since January 1st, fires have been igniting California as Santa Ana winds kick up and lower than average rainfall grips the state. With nearly 40,000 acres burned between the Eaton and Palisades fires at the time of publication - the events have now become the second and fourth most destructive California wildfires according to CalFire.

 

The landscape industry has begun to release ways to assist those affected by the flames. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) shared ways to help including donating to California Fire Foundation, the American Red Cross, LAFD Foundation Emergency Fund, the Southern California Salvation Army, and the Southern California Disaster Assistance.

Meanwhile, the National League of Cities (NLC) President Mayor Steve Patterson released a statement, "The devastation and loss spurred by the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area is absolutely heartbreaking. At the National League of Cities, our hearts are with the residents of all the communities impacted, with the first responders working hard to respond, and with the local leaders in the region as they guide their cities and towns through this tragedy. The disastrous impacts of these wildfires are a strong reminder of the role the federal government plays in delivering resources for all communities in the wake of increasing extreme weather events."

Lastly, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) posted ways to help those effected by the fire including where to donate and other resources like how the LA Parks and the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks & Recreation opened community centers as shelters, emergency resources, offering public information, and more.