PASADENA, Cali. (WWLP) - A welcomed break in California winds brings significant gains in containing the wildfires, but with this level of destruction, Los Angeles will take years to recover. "It's going to last a long time," said Jim Liston, a Springfield native, who now resides outside Pasadena. "The sadness, and people trying to get back on their feet." The dangers of wildfire smoke on your health There's been a massive outpour of support for the victims of the Eaton and Palisades fires, as donation hubs and shelters overflow, but the city has a long road ahead in the wake of disaster with locals describing the aftermath as 'apocalyptic.' "Rather than rain or sleet, it's sparks," Liston said. "And the embers aren't like the little embers at your fireplace when you're toasting marshmallows. The embers are the size of hockey pucks floating around." Liston evacuated his Sierra Madre home, as the Eaton fire was just 4 miles away. "Got into the basement, pulled out some mementos of the kids, and put it in the back of my truck, packed some clothes, just got the important documents and got out," he said. While his home is safe, he's seen first-hand what those who lost everything need most. He says it's monetary donations that will keep the community from falling behind. Here is a list of organizations accepting donations: California Community Foundation California Fire Foundation L.A. Fire Department Foundation Pasadena Humane Society Ventura County Community Foundation American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles Center for Disaster Philanthropy Direct Relief World Central Kitchen The Pasadena Community Foundation's Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund California Community Foundation's Wildlife Recovery Fund Our sister station, KTLA, also has resources on its website. Local News Headlines Pinning ceremony held for three of Springfields newest firefighters Springfield Police Department retired K9 to receive national recognition for his service Study finds financial incentives help people quit smoking Chicopee man arrested during disturbance outside bar on Belmont Ave in Springfield WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.