【1993 Archives】

In addition to the pandemic993 Archives Californians have another looming threat: wildfires. Over 500 fires are ravaging the state, according to Governor Gavin Newsom, and while some experts say this is California's "new normal," that doesn't mean it's any less devastating.

What's more is that the wildfires demonstrate what experts have been warning: That climate change — just like coronavirus and any other disaster — will hurt marginalized people the most. While the rich can escape danger in their private planes (as the Kardashian-Wests did in 2018), farmworkers labor admidst the smoke and risk their lives in the process:

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That, coupled with coronavirus, has led to a decidedly dystopian set of instructions from the Red Cross:

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How can those witnessing these horrors help wildfire victims in California? Charity Navigator recommends donating to trusted organizations on the ground, and provided a dozen on their site.

Here's another list of organizations directing funds to victims, firefighters, and more:

• The American Red Cross is accepting donations as well as volunteer applications (specific Red Cross chapters across California redirect to the main Red Cross donation page).

• Food banks across California are accepting donations.

• United Way of Northern California is accepting donations and volunteer applications.

• California Fire Foundation is accepting donations to help firefighters and their families.

• California Community Foundation is accepting donations, and you can specify Northern or Southern California.

• The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is accepting donations that go towards medium and longterm recovery.

• GoFundMe has started its own wildfire relief fund, and it's almost halfway through its $20,000 goal

If you yourself may be in danger of the wildfires, the Red Cross offers safety tips and steps on how to get immediate help.