Japan committed to giving victims of the Los Angeles fires $2 million as other nations continue to support the devastated region.
Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, announced the donation Wednesday, saying the money will go toward providing shelter, food, and physiological support to those affected by the fires.
“Japan has decided to provide U.S. $2 million through the American Red Cross as relief assistance the victims of this disaster,” he said.
“While we will continue to work on the exact timing of the assistance, Japan will continue to actively provide support for the disaster victims, as well as for the swift recovery of the disaster-stricken areas,” Hayashi continued.
The aid will be channeled through the American Red Cross, according to Japan’s Foreign Ministry. Japan’s pledge came as the United States’s neighbors, Mexico and Canada, sent firefighting crews to Southern California to assist in putting out the widespread fires.
Seventy-two Mexican firefighters landed in Los Angeles on Saturday. They were scheduled to attend an orientation before being dispatched to the fires on Monday, according to the governor.
“Emergencies have no borders – we are deeply grateful to our neighbors in Mexico for their unwavering support during one of our greatest times of need,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA). “Thank you to President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo for lending the best of the best.”
Canadian fire teams have also sent their air tankers and firefighters to fight the California fires.
“We’re friends — especially when times get tough,” former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on social media. “California’s always had our back when we battle wildfires up north. Now, Canada’s got yours.”
Neighbours helping neighbors. ????????????????pic.twitter.com/qRuEsu31T0
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 9, 2025
When Canada was fighting wildfires in Alberta, Quebec, and British Columbia in the summer of 2023, the U.S. sent more than 2,000 firefighters to aid the country.
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Nine U.S. states, including California’s neighboring states of Arizona and Oregon, have also sent their own firefighters and equipment to the area. Fire departments across California have also been deployed to assist the souther part of the state.
The largest fire, the Palisades fire, is 19% contained and has burned 23,713 acres so far. The Eaton fire is 45% contained and has burned 14,117 acres so far. Winds are expected to pick back up in the latter half of the week.