California wildfires: Officials debunk online posts calling for cleanup crews, volunteers
People looking to help can donate blood or money to help wildfire victims.
Officials are asking people to disregard social media posts from unvetted sources stating they can volunteer to help with wildfire cleanup in Los Angeles County.
Four active wildfires are burning through Los Angeles County, and at least 16 people have been killed because of the flames, according to a press release the county sent to Paste BN. The fires have burned nearly 40,000 acres and destroyed or damaged 12,000 structures.
It's understandable why good-hearted people want to help others during one of the most devastating fires in Los Angeles history, but good deeds can still be impacted by misinformation.
A Facebook post allegedly "claims that individuals can come to California to join a clean-up crew in areas affected by recent LA wildfires," according to Cal Fire. "This information is false, and we would like to clarify that there is no such opportunity available."
"We kindly ask that you refrain from calling to inquire about this."
Fire departments not accepting volunteers 'off the street' for help
Individuals can volunteer through trusted and reputable organizations or donate money to verified fundraisers.
However, fire departments will not accept volunteers who are not associated with a fire department, according to Edwin Zuniga, a public information officer with Cal Fire, told Paste BN Sunday.
"We don't just take volunteers off the street to come help out," Zuniga said.
Instead, fire departments will rely on firefighters from other departments to help them if they do not have personnel.
So, before booking a ticket to fly to California, ensure sources stating people can volunteer or asking for volunteers are credible.
Why doesn't the fire department accept volunteers?
People being placed in these situations require training that only firefighters receive, and personnel needed to assist the LA County Fire Department come from other departments that can provide people trained and experienced in dealing with wildfires and other firefighting situations.
Fire departments in California and other parts of the country have standards they must meet when training their personnel.
"Those people are well trained, and they're trained to the standard of what the agency is responsible to enforce," said Zuniga.
How to help people affected by the fires
One way help is by donating funds to organizations like the American Red Cross, according to Daniel Parra, a spokesperson for the American Red Cross.
"We just strongly urge people to do what they can," said Parra. "It can be as something as little as a $10 donation."
The following are ways people can help those affected by the wildfires, according to Parra:
- Donating money
- Donating blood
- Volunteering
How to donate money to the American Red Cross
Around 900 people stayed overnight at evacuation shelters supported by the Red Cross, according to Parras. However, that number doesn't include people stopping by the shelters to charge their phones or receive a meal.
Money donated to the organization can go to assisting shelters to receive the support they need to continue providing people with the essentials.
To donate, people can do the following, said Parras:
- Visit RedCross.org
- Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-27677)
- Text CA Wildfires to 90999
How to donate blood
As of Friday, 300 blood drives were canceled.
"We encourage people of all blood types to donate, of course," said Parra. The Red Cross is "especially" asking for donations of platelets and Type O blood.
To find a blood drive near you, click here.
Where to volunteer to help with wildfires
While the LA County Fire Department will not accept outside volunteers, around 90% of the Red Cross' workforce are volunteers. The organization says it has over 300 volunteers on the ground helping victims of the wildfires.
People can volunteer to work at shelters, and once it is safe to do so, the Red Cross will send volunteers to work in communities affected by the fire, according to Parra.
"We could always use some more hands on the ground," Parra said.
People who would like to volunteer can apply on the Red Cross' website.
Julia is a trending reporter for Paste BN. You can connect with her on LinkedIn, follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com