Nicky Blackburn
January 12, Updated January 15

Humanitarian aid NGO IsraAID is preparing to send an emergency response team of volunteers and professionals to support communities affected by the devastating wildfires in Californian city Los Angeles.

The fires broke out on Tuesday January 7, and since then 24 people have been killed, over 12,300 homes and structures destroyed, 38,000 acres scorched and over 180,000 evacuated.

The fires continue to rage as Santa Ana winds pick up once more, and the  authorities issued a rare ‘particularly dangerous situation’ red flag warning, the same warning issued a day before the initial fires broke out.

An emergency team from IsraAID is currently assessing the situation and preparing its response once the fires have been contained.

This will be the second Israeli NGO to respond to the fires. On Thursday, January 9, SmartAID announced that it was working with local partners and first responders, including fire departments and grassroots charities, to assist evacuees.

In addition, on Wednesday, December 15, it was announced that Israel’s Fire and Rescue Authority will send a team of five fire protection experts to help fight the California blazes.

The delegation will include experts, Dr. Shai Levy, who specializes in forest fire prevention, and Avi Ben-Zaken, the operations director for Israel’s southern district.

The team is expected to remain in the US for a week.

IsraAID plans to work with local partners to provide support for people whose homes have been damaged or destroyed. Final plans will be confirmed once the fires are contained and the extent of the damage clear.

“We are devastated to see the destruction from these enormous fires, and our hearts go out to all those who have lost their homes or been displaced,” said Yotam Polizer, CEO of IsraAID.

“We have long-standing ties to communities in Los Angeles and across California and have deeply felt the impact of this emergency. We are proud to bring our expertise and support all the way from Israel, even as we continue our work in Israel and abroad. At a time of ongoing crisis at home and around the world, we are grateful to be able to aid communities in their time of need.”

This is not the first time that IsraAID has helped out in the wake of deadly wildfires in the US. In 2018, it sent aid in the wake of the Woolsey fire and Camp fire, and also in 2017 after the destructive forest fires in the Napa Valley.

On Wednesday, December 15, it was announced that Israel’s Fire and Rescue Authority will send a team of five fire protection experts to help fight the California blazes.

The delegation will include experts, Dr. Shai Levy, who specializes in forest fire prevention, and Avi Ben-Zaken, the operations director for Israel’s southern district.

The team is expected to remain in the US for a week.

More on Life

Fighting for Israel's truth

We cover what makes life in Israel so special — it's people. A non-profit organization, ISRAEL21c's team of journalists are committed to telling stories that humanize Israelis and show their positive impact on our world. You can bring these stories to life by making a donation of $6/month. 

Jason Harris

Jason Harris

Executive Director

More on Social Action