Where There’s Smoke, There’s Community.

Los Angeles Wildfire Breakdown

Wildfires have been raging across Los Angeles County, displacing families, destroying homes, and impacting countless lives in both visible and invisible ways. From health challenges to job disruptions, these fires remind us how interconnected our community truly is.

The following poem is a reflection of resilience and togetherness in these difficult times. Below, you’ll find ways to help and access critical resources for those in need.

The Wildfires at a Glance

Several wildfires have erupted across Los Angeles County, including:

  • The Palisades Fire: In Pacific Palisades, east of Malibu.

  • The Eaton Fire: North of downtown Los Angeles.

  • The Hurst Fire: Near Sylmar in the San Fernando Valley.

  • The Lidia Fire: Between the Sierra Pelona and San Gabriel mountains.

  • The Kenneth Fire: In Woodland Hills, near Calabasas.

  • The Sunset Fire: Near Runyon Canyon in the Hollywood Hills.

Many of the fires are not yet fully contained. They have burned thousands of acres and continue to pose risks to lives, homes, and communities.

How You Can Help

  1. Donate: Support reputable local and national organizations working directly on wildfire relief and recovery in the Greater Los Angeles are and neighboring communities.

  2. Volunteer: Assist with relief efforts, provide shelter support, or help organize donation drives.

  3. Share Resources: Spread awareness and information about relief efforts to amplify support.

  4. Access Help: If you or someone you know has been affected, check out this Comprehensive Resource List for shelters, mental health support, and more.

“Another Fire Broke Out”

sayonara

to the house where we cooked with granny,

and the hills with the pills and the crooks with grammies

cuz the city’s set ablaze 

ablaze, ablaze,

the city’s set ablaze 

an evacuation set in place,

a planet fitness locker room, 

there’s wildfires here and there 

on this windy afternoon 

helicopters circling

in the dark grey sky,

while the smoke is thick 

and the fumes remain high 

i walk Cash,

praying that he doesn't get sick 

mask on,

knowing that we gotta be quick 

we both hold our breath 

while getting covered in snow 

wait, is that ash?

oh, it’s really time to go! 

ablaze, ablaze,

the city's set ablaze 

politicians stay silent 

as we choke on dismay 

bought empty hydrants 

with the taxes we pay 

unprepared, yet again, 

for another doomsday 

it’s time to undergo a communal recondition 

to restructure power through political abolition 

unions fight to close schools,

not the powers that be!

this post-apocalyptic,

re-pandemic response is blasphemy! 

when we come together, 

we do what we do best 

try to fill the void

left by all of this mess 

when disaster hits

too close to home,

we must band together 

because together we’re strong 

we’ve been here before

we know what to do

resilience is found

within each and every one of you 

LA baby,

we’re set ablaze, ablaze,

the city's set ablaze

but we stand together, awaiting brighter days.