In Ventura the fire has burned all the way from the mountains to the ocean. Forcing many freeways to close including the 101.  The fires in So-Cal have burned over 300 homes and businesses so far. AP Photo/Noah Berger

Wildfires continue to devastate areas of Southern California, as of December 7th over 200,000 people in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties have been forced to evacuate, and many of them are in need of help.  If you know anyone in the affected areas, think about reaching out to them.  There are also many nonprofits providing support on the ground for the Thomas Fire in Ventura County and several other fires burning in Southern California.

Source: Imagery from ESA Sentinel-2 satellite. | Note: Some roads and boundaries added for clarity. 

The Ventura County district attorney warned the public Wednesday about people taking advantage of fire victims by creating fake charities online, as well as illegal price gouging.

Legit Charities:

Thomas Fire Fund

The United Way of Ventura County, American Red Cross of Ventura County and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services have teamed up to create the Thomas Fire Fund.

Donations can be made by texting UWVC to 41444, on United Way of Ventura County’s website or over the phone at 805-485-6288.

Checks with “Thomas Fire Fund” in the memo line can be mailed to 702 County Square Drive, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93003.

Red Cross

The Red Cross is accepting applications for volunteers on its website.

Those who wish to make cash donations can do so on redcrossla.org or over the phone by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

YouCaring

YouCaring, an online crowd-funding platform, has created a landing page with all of its campaigns for Southern California wildfire relief.

Humane Society of Ventura County

The Humane Society of Ventura County is in need of donations after taking in more than 300 animals since the fires began Monday.