Support for Wildfire Victims and First Responders in Los Angeles County, U.S.

As the new year began, devastating wildfires broke out across Los Angeles County, California, bringing tragedy and hardship to many communities. On January 7, three separate wildfires erupted in areas including Pacific Palisades and Sylmar, driven by strong winds that intensified the blaze. The fires burned for more than three weeks, destroying over 18,000 buildings and displacing nearly 200,000 people.

In response, members of the World Mission Society Church of God in California mobilized to support their neighbors. On January 27, about 70 members from 10 churches in San Diego, Orange County, and Cerritos prepared and donated 500 boxes of relief supplies to the Flintridge Center and the Open Hearts Foundation. Each box contained essentials such as toilet paper, bottled water, rice, canned goods, and cereal—items urgently needed by displaced residents. The boxes bore the message: “Giving Hope to Neighbors with Mother’s Warm Heart”.

Volunteers also made a separate donation of $2,400 worth of food to the Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank in Thousand Oaks on January 30, helping to sustain affected families.

Between January 14 and February 9, Church members provided freshly cooked meals to firefighters stationed in Santa Maria, Sherman Oaks, Agoura Hills, and Tarzana. Food trucks were brought directly to the fire stations, offering warm meals and heartfelt appreciation to those who had been working non-stop to contain the fires. Firefighters were able to enjoy a break, share stories, and feel supported by the community. In addition, on January 23–24 and 26, Church members visited the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter to provide meals and encouragement to staff caring for animals injured in the wildfire, recognizing the vital role they play in disaster recovery.

Marks Quintana, Acting Fire Captain at Agoura Hills Fire Station, shared: “It was our first time experiencing a wildfire of this scale, and it was incredibly difficult. I would like to thank all of you for taking your time to come this far for us.”

Curtis Leddy, Fire Captain at the Tarzana Fire Station, also said: “We deeply appreciate the kindness and consideration the Church of God members have shown to our firefighters.”

Although the fires were fully extinguished as of January 31, the road to recovery remains long. Rebuilding the affected areas will require substantial resources and coordinated efforts. The Church of God plans to continue working closely with local authorities to provide ongoing support and help wildfire victims return to their daily lives as quickly as possible.

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