A quick update…
Thanks so much to everyone who has written or reached out on social media to check in regarding the L.A. fires. We’re fine; currently the fires are several miles away and there is no anticipation at this time that we may need to evacuate. But there’s still a lot of smoke in the air, so I’ve been trying to stay indoors as much as possible, and have been wearing a mask outdoors.
It’s been impossible for me to focus on anything else the last couple of days. The devastation is just incomprehensible. My heart goes out to all who have been impacted, and I’m holding all of the firefighters, first responders, and helpers in my thoughts.
One quick ask: there has been so much dis- and mis-information circulating, much of it intended for clicks and to generate outrage/engagement. Before you circulate or share any news or speculation, please take a moment to check sources and motivations. Much of what’s circulating is incomplete or taken out of context. The speed at which these wildfires developed and spread with the hurricane-force winds driving them was unprecedented, and has strained all infrastructure and resources.
Update: this Washington Post article presents a pretty balanced and comprehensive look at what we’ve been dealing with so far (gift link): https://wapo.st/3E065sN And if you are in the Los Angeles area and looking for up-to-the-minute fire news and updates, I highly recommend the Watch Duty app.
If you’re interested in making a donation to help with relief efforts, I’m putting together a list of local organizations and will share soon. In the meantime, World Central Kitchen is on the ground here and helping feed responders and evacuees. And the Pasadena Humane Society is sheltering and treating hundreds of animals impacted by the Eaton fire. More to come.
More organizations helping with L.A. fire relief
California Community Foundation
L.A. Fire Department Foundation
American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
Thanks for this update. Look forward to your list with ideas about how to help. Excellent point about not spreading mis- or disinformation.
Stay safe, Susan. Thinking of you all in SoCal from down under xx
Many thanks for providing an update. Hoping you and yours continue to remain safe.
I get panicked calls from family far away who get the impression that all of California is on fire. The news gives a not totally accurate impression.
Take care. Thank you for posting ways to help. May everyone affected get to safety and the support they need and may the winds relent. Gratitude to the fire fighters and other safety and emergency personnel.
Susan, thank you for the reminder to check sources and double check. And thank you for sharing places where people can help out.
Thinking of you and everyone impacted by these devastating fires. Thank you for the donation suggestions; I love the work that WCK does and I donated. Stay safe!
Susan, thank you for this information. Stay safe. I pray and cry for all those affected.
Thanks for letting us know about the wonderful work of the Pasadena Humane Society. I’ve just donated to them.
Here in Orange County we are safe, but our hearts now are with those in the afflicted areas.
Thank you for writing a thoughtful, reasonable, respectful column in the face of this disaster. I’m very happy to hear you’re okay.
Message from follower Gloria in Wales
Hoping that you all stay safe
So sorry and sad for the loss of life and property
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Stay safe and take care
Loving regards Gloria
Thank you, Susan, for updating us on these terrible fires. It’s heartbreaking to hear all the awful news reports along with video. These poor people who have lost everything. Thank you too for correcting the mis-information. I can guess who started that! (groan) . I’m happy to hear you are okay.
Thank you
I’m relieved to hear you are safe and I’m praying you remain so. José Andrés is a hero with his ability to bring sustenance to wherever it is needed so I will be making a donation to WCK. I will continue you to keep you in my prayers.
Thankful that you and puppy are safe. Thank you for including donation information.
Thank you so much for this update, and for sharing links for those of us who want to donate or help in whatever way we can. And thanks for your wise words regarding the need to stop spreading misinformation. As a longtime journalist, I’m often shocked (and saddened) at how social media has fueled and enabled the circulation of so many appalling rumors, poorly researched articles, and misinformation. It needs to stop.
I hope you and your family continue to be safe.
Thanks very much for the update. I am very glad to hear that you are safe and taking precautions while there is smoke. Thanks also for underscoring the truth about the valiant work and efforts by the state and all the firefighters.
Thanks for the update. My son’s good friend is one of those brave firefighters. Stay safe!
My heart goes out to the many victims of these devastating fires. As I’ve grown older (75) I am convinced that women can do anything, in this case make small adjustments in our lives to halt climate change: drive less, look for products not packaged in plastic, buy secondhand rather than new, etc, etc. We are a powerful force.
Thanks you for the good information, Susan. Godspeed.
Susan, I am so very sorry these fires are devastating the lives of so many people. Glad to hear that you are safe and hopefully you will continue to stay that way.
Susan:
I appreciate your post today. I am subjected to the awful news programs at the gym spreading misinformation so I appreciate having your well-worded response should anyone I come across comment to me what they have heard.
I live just north in Ventura County and look forward to any information on where to donate items such as clothing and household items.
Thanks , Susan, for clarifying the situation. Here on the east coast we only have the news to go by. (Who would ever go to social media for news?!)
I’m looking forward to your list so I’ll know where I can send donations.
Please stay safe. Prayers to all affected.
SusanR
I saw that headline about the fire department budget being cut… so glad to know it was fake news. So awful to have things like that circulating.
Very good opinion piece in NYT today by a climate scientist who lived there in Altadena and moved back East as he saw what was probably going to happen. Scary.
I’m so glad to hear that you’re okay. The situation is staggering. My heart is broken for the city of angels, but California is strong and we will help each other. I also appreciate your comments about misinformation. It’s a cesspool out there. Go fund me has a landing page that includes vetted places to give – https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/california?os=wtmb5utKCxk5refappFutm_sourcesyndication&ref=app. The need is overwhelming right now, but I just spread what I could afford among as many as possible. Every little bit helps.
It is very sad and disappointing that lies are being spread on social media. Hope you continue to be safe.
Susan,
Thank you so much for setting the record straight on all the mis/disinformation that’s floating around on social media. A reminder: if something you’ve read/heard seems off, please do a bit of research to find the truth. Also, thank you for the link for the Pasadena Humane Society. I’ve made a donation, and I hope others will consider doing so. I know it seems trite, perhaps to say I’m thinking of all those who may be in harm’s way, but I am and I’m sending positive thoughts and energy for all impacted by the fires.
Thank you so much for those clarifications for all! I am born and raised LA and a long time public works official in Southern California and am always upset to see blame placed on hard working and dedicated public officials and employees based on poor understanding and misinformation. Like you, it has been impossible for me to focus on anything else in the face of this heartbreaking disaster. I am so glad you are safe and urge all your readers to inspire compassion in others by their own actions and words, no matter where they are.
Thank you for this posting Susan. I know the Tubb’s Fire in Santa Rosa (2017) was another similar raging firestorm with unprecedented and capricious wind and temperatures never thought possible. The devastation was terrible to behold. Having grown up in Long Beach, I’m especially heartbroken to see the damage these fires are causing. So far, my friends and family are ok and I’m glad that you are as well. All my best, Sally
Thank you so much for this information. Here in Montana the Cali fires are very much politicized among my republican friends. So your post today is timely.
I’ve been wondering about you and how these fires have affected you. Thanks for the update…good to know you’re safe. Hope it stays that way.
My heart goes out to everyone who has been affected by these fires..I cannot wrap my head around losing everything!!!
If nothing else, it has prompted me to start scanning photos and docs into a hard drive I can pack up and take with me, if I ever need to evacuate my home.
Godspeed to you and all Angelenos.
Good to hear you’re safe my friend! And appreciate the update on the water/firefighters situation!
Praying for all the many people who have lost so much Thank you for ways to help. This is not the correct forum for other conversations.
Hi LW, since I’m the one who writes, pays for hosting, and maintains this blog/space, I get to decide what’s discussed in this forum.
I appreciate your willingness to set the record straight!
Go girl!
Just gave a donation to the Humane Society. Thank you for the information. Take care!
Risa
I would like to commend Susan’s blog today, and also support JB’s suggestions for acting responsibly — even in small ways — re global climate change. Some home insurers have left California entirely, or refuse to write new policies. We will all be affected, no matter where we live. Thank you for reading….sending prayers to all who survive and all who find ways to help.
I agree wholeheartedly , kb❤️
Been thinking about you as I couldn’t remember exactly where you are. So far, 150 of my colleagues have lost homes in the Eaton fire. My heart is breaking for them. I’m out in unincorporated Ventura County, so no issues here this time, but it has been hectic covering the workload and making sure everything is still running properly. Take care of yourself and the pupper. Hug loved ones.
Thank you Susan. My heart and thoughts are with all helpers, first responders, firemen and those affected, whether animal or human.
Just made a donation to the Pasadena Humane Society and shared to FB, asking everyone to at least share the post , if a monetary donation is not possible. Many thanks for the information, Susan.
Saddened by the terrible fires in LA. Glad that you are OK. Recovery will take time, a lot of time. I believe all Americans are standing with Los Angeles, sending prayers and support. Heroic work by the firefighters, first responders, and others.
My heart goes out to everyone impacted by this devastation. No one could have foreseen or planned for such wholescale flagration. Those who have to deal with it are heroes. Stay safe Susan.
So glad you are safe! Prayers for everyone in LA.
Glad you are okay. But it must be so hard to see all of the destruction and suffering so close to home. The deliberate misinformation that is being spread about this and other disasters is truly criminal. If you’re not going to be truthful and helpful don’t say anything. We have to help each other not spread rumors for political points. Wishing you and everyone peace.
So glad to hear you’re okay. Sending prayers to all those affected and to the first responders.
And thank you for informing us about the Fire Department, and the water system. I’d read that elsewhere, too, and it’s important that we add to the correct information, not mis-information. Also, it is helpful to remind people who do not live in LA nor even in California, that when the media (or any of us, really) say/write “LA” we’re really referencing a relatively large geographical area made up of MANY governmental sectors. For example, Pasadena is a city separate from Los Angeles the city, but in the same County, Los Angeles. Really with that at least the news agencies would reference this correctly!
Thank you, stay safe, and cuddle with Bella!
Susan B
Thanks so much for putting out the “truth” as to what is happening in Los Angeles – I know you are a lifestyle blogger but everyone can help and yeah! World Central Kitchen!
World Central Kitchen–if you have ever worked in a restaurant and/or in catering, think for a moment about the logistics this must take to operate in an area where most are fleeing. José Andrés, his vision, his determination and all of the people in this organization–an organization that was built from his idea that one of the most basic needs that can be met, he could do, to be there to provide food at the moment of crisis, not later, but in the very teeth of the flames. Around the world. Not everyone of us has the ability to give money, but we all have the ability to send love and thanks into the universe for people like this.
Thank you for updating – I have read your blog for several years and inspite of not ” knowing” you – I feel like I kind of do… I am glad you are safe. And thank you for the real information.
Good to hear you are fine. I lived in SD for many yrs and know all about the Santa Anas and how fast fire can travel. Thank you for not ignoring all the mis-information some intention and some because people don’t check. It to easy for people with no experience in these fires and in other states to slam California for everything and anything. Decades from now there will be scars from these fires. No one or no place deserves this.
Very glad you are safe. The pictures colleagues are sharing from friends and family in Southern Cal are surreal; I can’t begin to imagine the shock and stress. So enjoy everything about your blog. Belated thanks for all you share.
Thank you for this update, Susan. We have family in Palos Verdes and have experienced our own devastating fires in Western Canada (most recently, the beautiful mountain town/National Park of Jasper), so we have been anxiously watching (credible news sources) for updates.
Thank you for reminding people about spreading mis/dis-information. Looking for someone to blame and spreading unscientific/unfounded information creates further divisions in a world where we are already feeling so disconnected and fearful of each other.
I don’t want to sound like a jerk, and I would like to point out that our Canadian federal and provincial governments immediately jumped in to offer expertise, firefighters, money and much-needed planes/equipment to help. Not to mention how many Canadians are donating money to trustworthy charities to help Californians who have lost so much. This is how friends/neighbours act. (While we won’t forget), we are putting aside the insults about our Prime Minister and threats to our sovereignty and acting to help our neighbours to the south.
what kind and forgiving comments to hurting California and all of us. I am so ashamed by the horribleness to Canada from the man that was elected and his cronies. Please accept my apology and know we aren’t all thinking that way or so un-thinking regarding Canada our great neighbor.
Thank you, Dee. We are very concerned that he will follow through. Sad times everywhere right now.
Quick question. The LA fire chief has done an interview saying that there was indeed a $17 million budget cut. She believes that impacted the seriousness of the fires. Have you seen this and what are your thoughts?
I haven’t seen it, and I’m not a city budget expert. It sounds as though it’s a very complex issue, with a lot of conflicting viewpoints about how money was/should have been allocated. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-10/how-much-did-the-l-a-fire-department-really-cut-its-budget
Thank you for the update and clarification-I believed the budget had been cut. Need to be more diligent about checking resources.
So glad you are ok.
Am so glad you are safe Susan. Here is Australia, we know all about bush fires. My own home nearly burnt to the ground a few years ago – and it is awful. As for misinformation, I am afraid I am very cynical, believing the biggest offenders are politicians trying to cover their back sides. My admiration for those fire fighters risking their lives is immeasurable.
Thinking about you every day.
Greetje
Susan
Thank you for this info. We have friends in LA and are getting good info from them.
I am glad you are not in this situation. THe people of LA are in our thoughts and prayers. As you can, pls keep us updated
Jean
Susan, thank you for the information and donation links. My son and daughter-in-law just lost their dog, and I have made a donation to the Humane folks in his name. The extent of this tragedy is just over-whelming. To paraphrase JFK, “we are all southern Californians” in our hearts.
It’s hard to focus on anything else with wildfires in the area. The smoke and ash are as pervasive as the sense of loss hanging in the air. I hope you have a HEPA filter or two running. Thinking of you and your little dog. Wishing for safety for all involved and an end to the fires soon.
Very glad you are safe.
And I sincerely appreciate both Canadian and Mexican firefighters sent by their respective governments to help. The winds have been horrific.
Be safe and yes to donations. I watched 30+ years ago as the Oakland/Berkeley burned the hills not far from my house in the Bay Area.
What the LA area is going through -far greater.
Susan
I’ve thought of you as I watch the Los Angeles’ fire coverage. You wrote you are several miles from the fire zone, I know how much fires can shift and spread so I hope you are still safe. It sounds like the next few days, as the winds increase will be challenging so please be safe.