SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The deadly wildfires still raging in Los Angeles are among the most destructive in California history, with over 180,000 displaced due to evacuations as of Thursday while countless homes and community landmarks have been burnt to the ground. For longtime San Diego residents, watching the stunning events of the last few days have brought to mind memories of fires that ravaged the county in years past. Many may also know people who have been directly impacted by the blazes — whether they're in Altadena or the Pacific Palisades. While it might be instinctive to feel helpless in the face of the still unfolding crisis in Los Angeles, there are plenty of ways San Diegans can take action to help the region's neighbors to the north. LIVE: Thousands of homes burn in Los Angeles wildfires Here is a list of places accepting donations to aid direct relief efforts, as well as non-monetary ways people can get involved: Donate Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is actively seeking charitable funds to help save lives and property during these wildfires. This includes hydration backpacks to keep firefighters healthy on the frontlines, tools to clear areas of brush to slow the spread of fire, and emergency fire shelters for crews who get overrun by flames. California Fire Foundation The California Fire Foundations provides both immediate and long-term support to firefighters on the frontlines of wildfires and the victims of such natural disasters. The foundation works with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide this aid. GoFundMe GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub to aggregate all crowdfunding efforts to help those impacted by the fires. These include fundraisers for first responders, as well as those to help people who lost their homes rebuild. Los Angeles Regional Food Bank In the wake of any disaster, victims often turn to community organizations like food banks to ensure they can meet their basic needs and those of their families. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is working to coordinate these efforts and connect people with pantries in the county. San Diegans can either volunteer with the regional food bank when it is safe to make the drive up or donate. According to the nonprofit, a $25 donation helps to provide the equivalent of 100 meals. YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles YMCA centers are a lynchpin of the immediate response to the wildfires in Los Angeles, serving as evacuation sites and hubs for emergency supply distribution, among other things. Those who would like to make a donation to help these efforts can do so by giving to the YMCA. Anyone who would like more information on how to support the organization during this time can also contact [email protected]. Direct Relief A California-based disaster relief and medical assistance organization, Direct Relief provides critical aid to those in areas affected by wildfires, including the recent ones in Los Angeles. The organization is currently working on giving out N-95 masks, medicine and other resources to healthcare agencies and first responders in affected communities. California Community Fund California Community Fund has a Wildfire Recovery Fund, focusing on long-term rebuilding in underserved communities impacted by these events through grants to community organizations offering direct services. Community Organized Relief Effort Community Organized Relief Effort is an international humanitarian organization that works to bring immediate relief and recovery to underserved communities as they rebuild following major disasters. The nonprofit has deployed an emergency response team to focus on air quality concerns in the immediate, distributing masks, go-kits, hygiene supplies and other materials. American Red Cross FOX 5/KUSI's parent company Nexstar Media is partnering with the American Red Cross to raise funds for relief and recovery from the Los Angeles wildfires. The Red Cross is operating shelter, food and other resources to those impacted by the disaster. Donating elsewhere Before making a donation to an organization not on this list, the Better Business Bureau encourages people to do their due diligence to avoid scams looking to profit off disaster. Check whether the organization is accredited with the BBB or has filed the proper tax documents with the Internal Revenue Service. Familiarize oneself with the three periods of activity following disasters — rescue, relief and recovery — and be wary of appeals that do not explain what funds go towards. Review crowdfunding requests and be wary of click-bait or phishing scams. How did the wildfires in Los Angeles start? Other ways to get involved Foster, adopt a pet The San Diego Humane Society, among other local animal shelters, have been assisting those in areas affected by the Los Angeles wildfires in evacuating pets. However, the local shelters are accepting these animals into overfull facilities, meaning they are urgently looking for people to foster or adopt animals in their care. More information on how to foster or adopt through the San Diego Humane Society can be found here. Donate blood One of the alternative ways San Diegans can aid those in Los Angeles is by donating blood through the San Diego Blood Bank. The nonprofit not only serves hospitals here in San Diego, but also those in Los Angeles. Natural disasters like wildfires often disrupt efforts to collect donations locally, creating obstacles that stymie supply of the lifesaving resource. Know of any other fundraisers or resources to help those in Los Angeles? Send them to [email protected].