By David Tuckman/American Red Cross

The climate crisis is driving an increase in extreme weather disasters that devastates people’s lives. Among the most destructive of these disasters are wildfires, which are becoming more frequent, more intense and more far-reaching. The American Red Cross stands on the frontlines of disaster response, witnessing firsthand how these climate-driven disasters are impacting families and communities across the country. Jonny Constantine’s story illustrates the urgent need for action and the essential role the Red Cross plays during these crises. 

In the dark of night, as wildfire flames raced toward Malibu homes, Jonny Constantine acted with urgency to save his friends. Smoke and embers filled the air as the fire’s red glow illuminated his friends’ backyard. “I saw the lights were out, but the bell worked. I kept hitting the button and yelling from their gate to wake up,” Constantine recounted. “The fire was so close—the smoke, red glow and embers looked like it was going to come over the hill onto their property at any moment.”  

After 15-20 tense minutes of honking, shouting and ringing the bell, his friends finally woke up and escaped just as the fire neared their home. “I didn’t leave until they were safe,” Constantine said.  

Not knowing where to go, Constantine sought refuge at a Red Cross shelter in Pacific Palisades. There, he found not only safety but also compassion and support during one of the most stressful times of his life.

Shelters like the one in Pacific Palisades give evacuees a safe place to regroup after losing so much. “The Red Cross is not just about responding to emergencies,” said Constantine. “It’s about making sure people feel seen, supported, and cared for in their darkest moments.”  

As climate disasters worsen, individuals and families like Constantine and his friends’ face increasing risks of displacement and destruction. In the last decade alone, more than 8.5 million people in the United States were displaced by climate-driven disasters. Wildfires, along with hurricanes, heatwaves and floods, take a disproportionate toll on low-income families, diverse communities, older adults and people with disabilities—populations that often lack the resources to recover quickly.  

The worsening climate crisis demands a collective response. You can support the Red Cross by volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness about the organization’s vital work. Together, we can build a more resilient future and ensure that families affected by wildfires and other climate-driven disasters have the resources they need to recover.  

As Constantine’s story reminds us, the Red Cross is not just a source of relief but a beacon of hope in the face of one of humanity’s greatest challenges. 

Learn how to protect your loved ones and prepare for wildfires by visiting redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.