Industry responses to California wildfire disaster

The recent California wildfires are another reminder of the importance of pictures and memories. Numerous imaging industry companies have stepped up to help preserve and replace the photo memories of California residents who have been affected by the tragedy. Here are a few examples:

ScanMyPhotos is offering free photo scanning services to wildfire victims with access to duplicate photos from friends or relatives.  “Photos are more than paper,” said Mitch Goldstone, CEO of ScanMyPhotos.com. “They’re emotional anchors and a vital part of our history. This program aims to bring hope and healing to families recovering from this tragedy.”

Shutterfly is offering to reprint, free of charge, any customer who loses projects “hurricane, tornado, wildfire, or other disaster.” The company also donated to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation to help fund equipment and tools for LAFD members battling the fires in their communities. Sbutterfly has been providing disaster relief for many years.

Rival Mixbook also has a long history of supporting disaster-relief efforts.”When families are ready, Mixbook will reprint any lost photo memories at no cost. We’re committed to ensuring your memories live on. Please reach out to [email protected] at any time.

To aid in the relief efforts, the Canon Group has donated a total of $1 million to the American Red Cross to help those affected by the 2025 California wildfires.

“Canon has been doing business in the U.S. for 70 years since opening its New York branch office in 1955, and has grown thanks to the support of its many customers and partners and the efforts of its employees,” said Fujio Mitarai, Canon Inc. Chairman and CEO. “California is a particularly important region to us, and I am deeply saddened by these wildfires which are unprecedented in scale. Canon supports the relief efforts through this donation based on its corporate philosophy of Kyosei. We sincerely pray that the region will soon be able to begin the rebuilding and healing process.”

The Los Angeles Times provided a primer for readers who lost their photos, and how to recover what they can.

“Survivors of the Los Angeles-area fires have lost significant parts of their lives to this disaster, including homes, livelihoods, community and, in some cases, loved ones. But replacing lost photos — mementos of cherished family, friends and places— may be easier than it seems, according to experts,” writes LA Times staff writer Karen Garcia.