FireAid audits find no misuse of funds

Charity for Palisades, Eaton victims releases reports after residents, others raise concerns.

- BY AUGUST BROWN

JORDAN STRAUSS Invision/Associated Press ROD STEWART performs at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood during one of two FireAid concerts on Jan. 30.

Two long-awaited reports about the disaster-relief charity FireAid's distribution of funds have been released to government officials and the public.

The 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded by Clippers executives, had been under scrutiny from Republican politicians (including President Trump, who called FireAid a "total disaster") and some residents of fire-ravaged areas in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. They questioned the priorities and effectiveness of grants given out after FireAid raised an estimated $100 million through its flagship benefit concerts in January.

In response, FireAid commissioned two reports — one a long-planned six-month status update on the specifics of its fundraising, grant making and local impacts, and the other an independent review by law firm Latham & Watkins. Both documents, reviewed by The Times, have been sent to local and national officials and the Department of Justice.

"The law firm conducted an independent review of the charity, and shared conclusive findings affirming that FireAid has acted in accordance with mission, has strong accountability measures and aid is reaching affected communities," the FireAid organization said in a statement about the review findings.