January 21, 2025

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisor Janice Hahn and Chair Kathryn Barger to enable members of the public to easily donate to the LA County Fire Department through the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation.

“Since these unprecedented wildfires began there has been an outpouring of support for our first responders and people asking how they donate to our fire department and those risking their lives on the frontlines of these fires,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “I am grateful to the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation for stepping up so that this generosity can reach our brave, selfless firefighters.”

Since the wildfires began on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, countless residents, organizations, and businesses have reached out interested in providing financial assistance to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. However, the Fire Department is currently only able to accept in-kind donations and monetary donations made via mail-in check. The Fire Department does not have a mechanism in place to accept online donations via credit card or debit card. Additionally, the Fire Department does not have an established Foundation to accept donations on its behalf.

“Countless residents have reached out in the last two weeks with generous offers to support our first responders who’ve been on the front lines battling these wildfires,” Chair Kathryn Barger said. “My heartfelt thanks to the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation for bridging the gap to allow funds from so many kind supporters to make their way to our incredible Los Angeles County Fire Department.”

Hahn and Barger’s motion, which passed unanimously, allows the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation to manage the receipt and disbursement of donor funds on behalf of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The LAEPF is a 501(c)(3) organization and is in good standing with the Department of Justice’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, has no LA County Fire Department employees on its board, and currently works with the Fire Department on other initiatives.

Those interested in making donations to the LA County Fire Department can do so at https://laepf.org/lacofd. Contributions support tools and equipment for emergency response operations, community risk reduction efforts, vital youth and public education programs, and more.