FireAid hits back at “misinformation” regarding how funds have been distributed
The organisers behind the Los Angeles benefit concert FireAid have responded to reports of how the funds have been used, claiming it is “misinformation”.
Following the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles region in January, which caused approximately 16,000 homes to be lost and also led to the tragic death of at least 29 people, FireAid was created to help raise vital funding.
Two concerts were held at the Inuit Dome and the KIA Forum on January 30th, welcoming the biggest stars in music such as Billie Eilish, Nirvana, Lady Gaga, Green Day, Stevie Nicks, Olivia Rodrigo, Joni Mitchell, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Katy Perry, John Mayer and many more to perform for charity.
The events were live-streamed online by more than 50 million people, and the two concerts raised a total of more than $100 million for charity.
Last week, after rumours circulated online that funding was not reaching those who needed it, the Republican Congressman for North Carolina, Kevin Kiley, wrote a letter to the Department of Justice demanding an investigation.
However, the online reports were debunked by a Los Angeles Times report, which spoke to 100 non-profit organisations that were extremely thankful for the financial support of FireAid during their darkest hour.
FireAid organisers have now said in a statement: “There has been an increasing amount of misinformation being shared online about the distribution of FireAid funds. We want to address concerns and be certain that Angelenos and the thousands of donors who generously contributed have a transparent view into how FireAid is putting their dollars to work.”
They then cited the Los Angeles Times report, which Fire Aid says “determined ‘FireAid was an urgent lifeline in the worst of the disaster and beyond'”.
They also clarified that $50 million was distributed in February, another $25 million was given to causes in June, and the final $25 million will be shared out between charities before the end of the year.
FireAid continued: “Each recipient is required to report on fund usage to ensure full transparency and impact. The year-end results, which are due in December 2025, will be audited by FireAid’s auditor, KPMG.”
For full transparency, FireAid have listed every organisation that has received funds on their website, and have pledged to continue to do so.
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