Taipei: Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has announced that it will donate US$500,000 to assist in wildfire relief in Southern California. According to Focus Taiwan, MOFA stated that the donation will be directed to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation to aid in the acquisition of professional firefighting equipment. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles has extended condolences to the city on behalf of Taiwan's government and has mobilized the overseas Taiwanese community and charity organizations to contribute to the relief efforts. The statement highlighted that these groups have already donated tens of thousands of N95 masks to local rescuers, disaster victims, and educational institutions to help address the poor air quality in the region. Additionally, Taiwanese communities have initiated fundraisers, supply donations, and provided free accommodation for those affected by the wildfires. MOFA also emphasized Taiwan's longstanding relationship with California, noting their 41-year sisterhood ties. This friendship is being demonstrated by the actions of Taiwanese expatriates under the mantra "Taiwan can help and Taiwan is helping." The Southern California wildfire has resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people, the destruction of more than 12,300 buildings, and has scorched 40,695 acres (164.69 square kilometers) of land, as per the latest California government statistics available Friday morning.
