As the financial impact of the wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles County escalates, the performers' union SAG-AFTRA has committed $1 million to assist union members affected by the crisis.

The union is contributing the funds to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, a nonprofit organisation that provides emergency financial assistance and educational services to union members. Union President Fran Drescher made this announcement in a statement.

"The destruction caused by these blazes, the loss of life and homes, has been gut-wrenching to experience, and of course, our hearts go out to all affected. But we knew we could do more; we hope this pledge helps relieve suffering and assists those impacted in putting their lives back together after this calamity," he stated.

Since January 7, a wave of wildfires fueled by strong winds in the Los Angeles area has ravaged tens of thousands of acres, causing significant damage to the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and the unincorporated Altadena region. Over 10,000 structures have been destroyed, displacing thousands of residents. 

Among those affected are some of SAG-AFTRA's most recognisable members, including Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton, Jeff Bridges, and Milo Ventimiglia, among others.

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Disney to donate $15 million to support LA fire relief efforts

The 160,000-member SAG-AFTRA, which represents a diverse group including actors, broadcast journalists, dancers, voice performers, puppeteers, and news writers, has temporarily closed its Wilshire Boulevard offices as a precautionary measure due to the ongoing wildfires.

SAG-AFTRA has become the latest organisation to offer support as the full impact of the wildfires becomes more apparent. Last Friday, Disney revealed it would contribute $15 million to relief efforts, benefiting organisations like the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.