Support for Communities Affected by the Los Angeles Fires

carolebartolini on January 10, 2025

The fires in Los Angeles have already burned an area equivalent to the cities of Salinas, Santa Cruz, and Hollister combined — think of everything those places hold: homes, schools, parks, and lives built over decades. Now imagine it all lost in days.

In just four days, seven fires in the Los Angeles area have consumed a staggering 36,386 acres. The scale of destruction is almost unimaginable, but the response can be just as powerful.

The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles is stepping up to offer prayers, shelter for evacuees, and resources for recovery. You can help by contributing to the One Body & One Spirit Annual Appeal, where every dollar will go directly to individuals and institutions affected by the fires.

Additionally, Episcopal Relief & Development is providing critical support for disaster response. Donations to their Wildfire Response Fund are another great way to make an impact.

Together, we can help rebuild hope and lives.

Palisades Fire – 8 % Contained

  • St. Matthew’s Church/School in Bienveneda was destroyed. As this church/school is in a suburban area, it’s very likely that community members have lost homes or will be repairing a large amount of damage.
  • St. Augustine by-the-sea is not under an evacuation order or warning, and is well positioned to serve anyone evacuating and moving down the coast from the fire.
  • St. Aiden’s in Malibu is not under an evacuation order of warning, and is well positioned to serve any evacuees heading up the coast.

Eaton Fire – 3% Contained

  • St. Mark’s Church/School is under a go order and in an area where the fire has burned through. It and the rectory were destroyed. Like St. Matthew’s this church/school is also in a suburban area, so the community is likely experiencing the loss of homes, or at least severe damage to them.
  • St. George’s, La Canada (which has a preschool) is under a go order. This means that they have been evacuated, but so far the property remains outside of the fire map.
  • Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Sierra Madre and the attached Gooden School is under a go order. Though they have been evacuated, like St. George’s they are outside of the fire map as of this afternoon.
  • St. Luke’s of the Mountains in La Crescenta is under a set warning. This means they are not under an evacuation order, but should prepare for an evacuation.
  • St. Barnabas in Pasadena is under a set warning. This means they are not under an evacuation order, but should prepare for an evacuation.
  • All Saints’, Pasadena is not under an evacuation order or warning and has opened their doors to shelter people with the support of Episcopal Relief and Development.

Hurst Fire – 70% Contained

  • St. Andrew and St. Charles Church in Granada Hills is under a set warning. They are not under an evacuation order yet, but should prepare in case that changes.
  • St. Simon’s, San Fernando is not under any warning. It is well positioned to serve communities evacuating south from the Hurst fire.