The Intuit dome. / Iwan Baan

This week, there’s a palpable shift in Los Angeles. Three active fires burning in Los Angeles County showed signs of nearing full containment on Jan. 27. Additionally, the city, once shrouded in smoke, is now rallying together with an outpouring of support for those impacted by the devastating wildfires. From local businesses donating their proceeds to relief organizations to volunteers offering their time and skills, a spirit of resilience has emerged. On Jan.30, Los Angeles will come together for FireAid, a benefit concert featuring top American artists. This two-venue event at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum aims to provide critical relief to those affected by the devastating wildfires. The show is expected to start at 6 p.m. PST at Kia Forum and 7:30 p.m. PST at Intuit Dome.

Artists performing at the Intuit Dome include Billie Eilish, Earth Wind & Fire, Gracie Abrams, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, and Tate McRae. Performing at the Kia Forum are Alanis Morissette, Anderson .Paak, Dawes, Graham Nash, Green Day, John Fogerty, Joni Mitchell, No Doubt, P!nk, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stephen Stills, and Stevie Nicks. In addition, Dave Matthews and John Mayer will duet for the first time. Additional artists, special guests, and lineups for each venue will be announced in the coming days.

Viewers worldwide will be able to watch, stream, and make contributions to FireAid on several platforms, including Apple Music, Apple TV, Max, KTLA+, Netflix, Paramount+, Prime Video, YouTube, and more. The concert will also be broadcast on iHeartRadio radio stations, Sirius XM, SoundCloud, and Veeps, as well as at select AMC Theatres. 

Funds raised through FireAid, including concert proceeds and direct donations, will be allocated by the Annenberg Foundation. These funds will support both immediate relief efforts and long-term initiatives aimed at preventing future wildfires in Southern California. The Annenberg Foundation will guide a team to make sure maximum impact from these contributions.

Moreover, New India Abroad spoke to a few Indian American Angelenos to ascertain their current sentiments regarding the wildfires. Here’s what they had to say. 

“For the past 25 years, living in Los Angeles has meant living with fire. Fires have always been a part of life here, a brush fire here, a larger blaze there, but nothing quite like what we’ve faced this year. This season’s infernos have been more devastating than anything I’ve ever witnessed, consuming not just land, but the heart of a place that shaped so many of my dreams. As a young adult, when the city’s chaos felt too loud, I found my escape in the Santa Monica Mountains. Hiking those winding trails, or taking long drives that ended by Malibu’s serene beaches, was my way of pressing pause on the noise. The mountains were more than a retreat—they were a sanctuary,” mentioned Mark Prakash, ​​co-founder of Brand Elevated, an agency that focuses on branding, marketing and technology solutions. “My heart aches for the families displaced, for the lives turned upside down in an instant. It’s hard to find hope amidst such destruction, but if there’s one truth we hold onto, it’s this: the Phoenix rises from the ashes. The mountains will heal. The scars will fade, and life will return, stronger and more resilient. And in the midst of this tragedy, we can honor what we’ve lost by cherishing what remains and rebuilding what we can. After all, dreams don’t burn—they endure.” 

“Witnessing our community endure the unimaginable trauma of losing their homes, possessions, pets, or loved ones is heartbreaking. Seeing the city I love surrounded by flames has been devastating. I find true fulfillment in serving others and supporting my community. This is a call to action for all of us: let's roll up our sleeves, come together, donate what we can, and lend a helping hand to those affected so they can rebuild their lives,” concluded Nicole Mehta, model and social media influencer.

For more information on the FireAid concert or to donate, visit https://fireaidla.org/