Fires across the Los Angeles area have killed at least 25 people. The Palisades and Eaton fires continue to burn in Southern California.

As of Jan. 10, the official causes of the fires were unknown. However, one factor that is known to have quickly hastened the flames' spread is the powerful Santa Ana winds. These fierce winds — common from September through May — had maximum gust speeds of nearly 100 miles per hour, allowing embers and flames to quickly reach new fuel sources.

To ensure your donation goes to a legitimate group doing relief work, you should: Avoid donating on the spot if you receive a phone call asking for money. If you want to donate by phone, you can visit the group’s website and call the phone number listed (or donate through the website itself).

Here is as list of organizations accepting donations and offering to help Southern California wildfire victims.