Local Tompkins High School junior Kirante Kunapreddy just couldn’t stand by and do nothing, as wildfires blazed out of control in the Los Angeles area in January.

“Natural disasters have always been something I’ve been deeply interested in, especially growing up in Texas, where we’ve seen hurricanes, floods, and even winter storms disrupt lives,” Kunapreddy said in an interview with the Katy Times. “When I heard about the wildfires in California, I was struck by how devastating they were—entire communities lost their homes, families were displaced, and firefighters were working around the clock to contain the destruction. Seeing those images and stories made me want to do something to help, even if it was in a small way.”

Kunapreddy and his family had been planning a trip to Los Angeles for spring break, and he had been researching the city, looking into different places to visit. Then, just days later, the wildfires broke out. “It was heartbreaking to see the same places I had been excited to visit now in crisis,” he said. “That connection made it feel even more real to me, and I knew I wanted to contribute in some way.”

Motivated by the devastating impact of fires in Los Angeles, he recently started a GoFundMe campaign to support the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation. Through his efforts, he has successfully raised $1,806, which will directly contribute to helping communities better prepare for and respond to emergencies.

“I started the fundraiser on January 17th with a goal of raising $10,000,” said Kunapreddy. “So far, I’ve raised $1,806, and I’m still working toward my goal. The fundraiser is still open [at https://gofund.me/541ca861], and I’d love for more people to contribute!”

Kunapreddy spread the word through social media, talking to friends and family, and just bringing it up in conversations. “It was really cool to see how people responded—some donated, others shared the fundraiser, and a lot of people just wanted to learn more about wildfire preparedness,” he said. “Most of the donations came from friends and family, but I was surprised by how many acquaintances, classmates, and even community members stepped up to support the cause. It really showed me how much people care and want to help when given the opportunity.”

The Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation was chosen as the beneficiary for the fundraiser. “I wanted to support an organization that wasn’t just focused on immediate relief but also on long-term preparedness and resilience,” Kunapreddy said. “The Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation stood out because they work to prevent disasters from being so destructive in the first place. When I reached out, they were really appreciative and welcoming. It was great to hear directly from them how much they valued community support, and it made me even more motivated to fundraise for their efforts.”

The money raised by Kunapreddy will go toward two major programs, he said. One is the Home Ignition Zone Assessments, where the foundation helps homeowners identify fire risks around their property and suggests ways to make their homes safer. The other is the Community Brigade Pilot Program, which trains volunteers to assist with evacuations, assess fire damage, and help out after a fire has moved through an area. “These efforts help make communities more resilient and better prepared for future wildfires,” Kunapreddy said.

Kunapreddy plans a career in emergency management or a similar field after high school.

“I definitely see myself staying involved in emergency management,” he said. “I’m CERT-certified, which means I’ve been trained in disaster response, basic medical aid, and emergency preparedness. I want to combine my passion for business, technology, and community service to find new ways to improve disaster resilience. After high school, I plan to continue my education while staying active in preparedness efforts.”

“Kiran has a strong passion for emergency preparedness/management and community service,” said proud parent Deepa Gopu. “I believe his story can inspire other youth to take initiative and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. I think his journey could resonate with many and encourage more young people to take action.”

In addition to his fundraising efforts, Kunapreddy also runs a podcast called “EM Conversations,” where he interviews experts in emergency and disaster management. His podcast aims to educate and engage the public—especially young people—on the importance of preparedness, response strategies, and how communities can build resilience against disasters.

“I just want to encourage people to take action when they see a need,” he said. “You don’t have to be directly affected by a disaster to make a difference. Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or even just spreading awareness, every small effort adds up. I hope this fundraiser inspires others to step up and support their communities in whatever way they can.”