Photo Credit: Gerson Repreza (Oklahoma City)
A coalition led by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has launched a formal inquiry into FireAid—the non-profit that raised $100 million during a January benefit concert to support victims of the LA wildfires.
The action follows mounting allegations that despite public promises, many wildfire victims have yet to see any direct assistance from the charity. The request for transparency is not isolated. Attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia have joined in asking a series of pointed questions about FireAid and its disbursements.
Their letter, sent August 6, 2025, demands specific answers from FireAid, including records of donations, details on distributions, and plans to verify that funds “go directly to the people who need it now” as originally promised to donors during the 50+ million viewer event in January.
Wildfires in January 2025 devastated Los Angeles County, claiming 31 lives and destroying over 18,000 homes and structures. Public support surged following the broadcasted concert, which featured numerous celebrities and strong messaging about immediate, direct relief. Donors were led to believe that their contributions would quickly reach families impacted by the Palisades and Eaton wildfires.
However, months later, reports indicate that much of the $100 million has thus far been distributed to non-profit organizations rather than directly to victims. These organizations, in turn, decide how they will use the grant money. Victims and advocacy groups have questioned the outreach and transparency of this process. Some confirm that while animal welfare and community groups received grants, individuals “never saw a penny of benefit relief funds reaching them.”
The attorneys general have asked FireAid President Gillian Zucker to provide written, detailed information within 10 business days. Their letter seeks clarity on donation accounting, recipient organization vetting, and proof that grants align with the original intent expressed to donors during the live show. They’ve also requested documentation detailing efforts FireAid made to inform victims about how they could access resources.
“In Oklahoma and across the nation, we witnessed the devastation inflicted on Los Angeles County by these massive wildfires,” reads the letter penned by Drummond. “Oklahomans are always quick to offer help. It’s no surprise that many donated to FireAid to provide direct relief to victims, but now we are seeing questions about whether these donations are being used as intended.”
FireAid organizers contend that grants to non-profit organizations was always the intent and were necessary to facilitate rapid and equitable relief.”From food and housing to legal aid and direct cash assistance, trusted local organizations have delivered meaningful relief to people in need—and we’re committed to making that impact clear,” said Chris Wallace, a spokesperson for FireAid.
Still, regulatory scrutiny will now determine whether these efforts satisfy legal obligations and donor intent. The case has been referred to the U.S. DOJ for a potential investigation, though no action has been announced as of yet.
