If you’ve tuned into the news at all during the past week, you’ve likely heard of the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. Starting in the Pacific Palisades, these fires have grown to immense sizes, engulfing many communities in the Los Angeles area. So, that begs the question: how have these fires influenced the Asian-American community there?
With roughly 12% of Los Angeles’ population being ethnically Asian, there is a huge proportion of Asian-American citizens in the area impacted by the fire compared to other regions. In fact, Asian Americans are the third-largest racial group in Los Angeles. Even while hundreds of people find themselves displaced from their homes, others have come to their aid, volunteering to assist people in need with necessary resources.
For instance, faith-based humanitarian organizations like United Sikhs are launching emergency relief campaigns to assist victims of the wildfires. Specifically, they are raising money from donations and providing free meals and emergency supplies to those in need. Other groups like Tzu Chi USA, which is a Buddhist nonprofit, have also been gathering donations and supplies for disaster relief. Without the aid of these organizations, thousands of people who have been impacted may suffer even more difficult times than what is already present.