Archbishop José H. Gomez asks all people of faith and good-will to join him in offering prayers and support for all our brothers and sisters affected by the fires in Southern California. 

"Friends, the devastation of the wildfires continues — both here in southern California and in the northern part of the state. We need to keep praying for those who have lost their lives and their homes and livelihoods, and for all the men and women fighting the fires. May God keep everyone safe and bring these fires under control.  We have started a fund to help the victims of these fires. Please offer whatever help you can."

Homes in Paradise, Calif., are seen Nov. 11 after being destroyed by the Camp Fire blaze. (CNS photo/Stephen Lam, Reuters)

Earlier this year, a special fund was created to provide support during the Thomas Fire. This fund has now been expanded to include those affected by the recent fires in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is providing support to the communities affected by the fires through Catholic Charities of Los Angeles and our local parishes and schools. Donations can be made at archla.org/fires.  

If you know of anyone who is in immediate need of temporary shelter, food or assistance, they can contact the pastor of their nearest parish for help. 

There are also resources available from city and county agencies for those who are in the evacuation zones.  You can find more information regarding where to get help if you are affected by the fires at the following links: 

Ventura County Fire Department: http://vcfd.org

Ventura County Emergency Information: https://www.vcemergency.com

Los Angeles Fire Department: https://www.lafd.org

Cathy Fallon, center, embraces Shawna De Long and April Smith Nov. 11 in Paradise, Calif. Fallon stayed behind to tend her horses during the Camp Fire blaze, while De Long and Smith brought her horse supplies. (CNS photo/Stephen Lam, Reuters)