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Southern California Wildfires

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Los Angeles County firefighter handling a hose from the Cal Fire firetruck

In early 2025, Southern California faced multiple fires, exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions. More than 35,000 acres burned and destroyed more than 16,000 structures. Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church was also destroyed.

PDA has been actively engaged in responding to the devastating wildfires affecting communities within the Pacific, San Gabriel, and San Fernando Presbyteries. Initial response and church damage grants has been disbursed to provide immediate support for addressing urgent needs in their communities. These grants are essential for stabilizing local congregations and communities during the early stages of recovery.

National Response Team members have been deployed to provide a ministry of presence, assist with ongoing assessments and help match identified needs with appropriate resources to expedite recovery resources.

PDA remains dedicated to supporting the Pacific, San Gabriel, and San Fernando Presbyteries as they navigate the challenges of wildfire recovery. By providing immediate grants, facilitating communication, deploying trained volunteers, and mobilizing denominational resources, PDA seeks to embody Christ’s call to care for those in need.


Give now to support PDA's response

DR000165- U.S. Wildfires

Let us pray

God who creates scenes of beauty and wonder,

We call upon your mercy and grace to protect the people,

the creatures, and all your creation

from the fires that rage in Southern California and beyond.

In the face of destruction, remind us that hope cannot be extinguished.

Surround the people, creatures, and creation with your grace and peace.

Comfort all who mourn the death of loved ones.

 

Stand with those who grieve the loss of beloved pets or dreams and hopes.

Hold close in your care those who are evacuating,

unsure of what awaits them. Accompany all who have been displaced,

and sustain those whose homes, businesses,

and communities have been consumed by flames.

Strengthen the firefighters, first responders,

and volunteers working tirelessly to control the fires.

 

Guide their efforts and grant them endurance and safety.

We ask that you also bless leaders in these impacted communities,

whose courage and compassion

are beacons of hope amidst the smoke and ashes.

Lead us to discern ways we can offer tangible help to those

affected—both in this moment of crisis and in the long

journey of recovery ahead.

 

Stir our hearts to action and

open our eyes to the deeper changes

we must embrace to reduce the risk of future fires.

Even when the skies are clouded with smoke,

may we trust that your light cannot be dimmed.

May your promise of renewal and restoration sustain us all.

In Christ, our forever hope, we pray. Amen.

-Rev. Mark Koenig


Dios que crea escenas de belleza y maravilla,
Clamamos por tu misericordia y gracia para proteger a las personas,
las criaturas y toda tu creación de los incendios que arden en el sur de California y áreas cercanas.

En medio de la destrucción, recuérdanos que la esperanza no puede ser extinguida.
Rodea a las personas, las criaturas y la creación con tu gracia y paz.
Consuela a todos los que lloran la muerte de seres queridos.


Acompaña a quienes lamentan la pérdida de mascotas queridas o de sueños y esperanzas.
Sostén con tu cuidado a quienes están desalojando, sin saber qué les espera.

Acompaña a todos los que han sido desplazados y da fuerza a aquellos cuyos hogares, negocios y comunidades han sido consumidas por las llamas.

Fortalece a los bomberos, los socorristas y los voluntarios que trabajan incansablemente para controlar los incendios.


Guía sus esfuerzos y concédeles resistencia y seguridad.
Te pedimos también que bendigas a los líderes en estas comunidades afectadas,
cuya valentía y compasión son faros de esperanza en medio del humo y las cenizas.
Guíanos para discernir formas en las que podamos ofrecer ayuda tangible a los afectados, tanto en este momento de crisis como en el largo camino de recuperación que tienen por delante.


Mueve nuestros corazones a la acción y
abre nuestros ojos a los cambios profundos
que debemos abrazar para reducir el riesgo de futuros incendios.
Incluso cuando los cielos estén cubiertos de humo,
que confiemos en que tu luz no puede ser apagada.
Que tu promesa de renovación y restauración nos sostenga a todos.
En Cristo, nuestra esperanza eterna, oramos. Amén.


-Rvdo. Mark Koenig