I had a conversation with Airbnb CFO Ellie Mertz yesterday, who explained that Airbnb.org, a nonprofit founded by Airbnb that provides free emergency housing, is partnering with 211 LA, a group that is identifying Los Angeles County residents in need of temporary housing.

Dozens of hospitality and tourism businesses are offering their support to residents and travellers forced to flee from fire-impacted areas. View on euronews

Wildfires that have broken out in Los Angeles County this week continue to threaten both residents and properties. As of this writing, over 45 square miles have been affected and 179,000 people have been told to evacuate.

Airbnb said Wednesday that it is teaming up with 211 LA on a free temporary housing initiative in response to the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

In these cases, hosts and guests can cancel eligible stays without consequence and receive full refunds (or partial refunds for trips that have already started and require guests to evacuate before their official check-out time). Airbnb's customer service team is available for help rebooking stays.

As the California wildfires continue to blaze on — projected to cause $150 billion in damages, according to AccuWeather — Airbnb (ABNB) has committed to offer free housing to the victims of the fire,