A number of fast-spreading wildfires are burning in Los Angeles. Propelled by high winds, major blazes have prompted evacuations and created very unhealthy air quality. If you live or work near an evacuation area, be prepared to leave quickly. Pack a “Go Bag” and be ready with an evacuation plan.
All CCRC offices and Head Start sites are open.
Families in need of general support, referrals and information can contact CCRC’s main phone line at 818-717-1000. CCRC Subsidy families in need of back up care or emergency child care can contact Lead Case Specialist Audrey Frye at extension 3143.
Licensed child care providers are asked to sign up for Everbridge Emergency Notification System for direct communication about disasters and emergencies. The CA Department of Social Services shared winter storm preparedness information, such as responses to power outages, here. And Community Care Licensing office contacts can be found here. Providers who must close temporarily or permanently due to the fires should contact Child Care Licensing. Those in need of resources and connections can use the following extensions:
- Manuel Escoto: ext. 4215
- Naira Barahona: ext. 4228
- Monica Robinson: ext. 4115
- Cyndi Trujillo: ext. 4103
CCRC families and providers in need of critical supplies like food, personal hygiene products, baby items, and kitchen supplies can call our donation line at 805-399-9521 to arrange a pick-up time. Donations will be available while supplies last. Click here for mental health resources for adults and children. Visit the LA County Recovers page for recovery services. Those who lost their homes in the fire are encouraged to apply for FEMA aid as soon as possible by visiting this website.
The YMCA Metro LA continues to offer free child care for families displaced by the fires in the following areas: Northridge, DTLA, Culver City, North Hollywood, West LA, Van Nuys, Reseda and Burbank. Click here to learn more. Airbnb.org is offering free housing for evacuees through 211 LA. Click here to complete the form. Emergency shelter is also being offered by: Westwood Recreation Center, El Camino Real Charter High School, Pasadena Convention Center, Arcadia Community Center, Jazzercise Calabasas Community Center, and Calico Fish House.
The LA Metro is offering free rides for evacuees. Lyft is offering $25 off a ride with code CALFIRERELIEF25 and Uber is offering $40 off with code WILDFIRE25. Other resources such as additional shelter, food and animal boarding services can be found here.
FIRE UPDATES (11 am Wednesday)
Hughes Fire
Evacuation orders were being issued Wednesday morning for neighborhoods in Santa Clarita near the Hughes Fire. The blaze spread rapidly and grew to 8,000 acres by 4 pm. It was burning to the west with strong winds. Animal shelters have been set up in Palmdale and Lancaster.
Eaton Fire
Many of the evacuation orders mandated for neighborhoods near the Altadena/Pasadena area had been lifted by Monday morning. The fire that broke out last week spread to over 14,100 acres as of Monday morning. Around 7,000 structures have burned and at least 11 lives have been lost, authorities said. Power outages were also reported in the area. Preemptive power shutoffs are in effect ahead of the next major wind event expected Tuesday and Wednesday to prevent new fires sparked by downed power lines.
Evacuation Centers:
- El Camino Real Charter High School
5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 - Pasadena Convention Center
300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101 - Westwood Recreation Center
1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Palisades Fire
Mandatory evacuations remained in effect primarily for neighborhoods south of the Palisades, where the fire size was maintained Thursday at 23,700 acres. As of Monday, at least 5,300 structures had been destroyed and thousands more remained under threat. Several lives have been lost and many people are being treated for fire-related injuries. Highway 1 is closed in the affected area.
Evacuation Centers:
- Westwood Recreation Center
1350 South Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 - El Camino Real Charter High School
5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 - Pasadena Convention Center
300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
LA County’s Information Resources
- http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/wildfire/
- https://lacounty.gov/emergency/
- LA211: help to connect with shelter and services. Dial 211 or https://211la.org/LA-Wildfires.
- Time Out LA list of restaurants offering free meals to evacuees.
- LAT guide for those who lost homes
- The Watch Duty App contains localized and up-to-the-minute information about active wildfires. It’s free to download.
- The LA Fire Department (LAFD) and LAFD Foundation social media pages share updated information about evacuation zones and safety guidelines.
Air and Water Quality
Air quality across much of Los Angeles was deemed unhealthy or hazardous. People are advised to limit time outside and avoid physical exertion outdoors. Poor air quality is especially risky for young children, elderly adults and people with preexisting conditions. Consider wearing an N95 mask if you are spending any time outside. Asbestos from burned homes may have entered the air and could pose a health risk, according to The Mesothelioma Center, which provided health and safety tips for evacuees returning to scorched neighborhoods.
Water in the evacuated area is considered unsafe to drink. CalFire explains:
- DO NOT DRINK YOUR TAP WATER—USE ONLY BOTTLED WATER. Bottled water should be used for all drinking (including baby formula and juice), brushing teeth, washing dishes, making ice and food preparation until further notice. This also applies to pets and domestic animals.
- DO NOT TRY AND TREAT THE WATER YOURSELF. Boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine or other disinfectants, or letting water stand will not make the water safe
