Words can barely do justice to the devastation that has unfolded across Los Angeles this week amid the raging wildfires that have erupted everywhere from Pacific Palisades to Pasadena.Entire neighborhoods have been wiped off the map and residents have lost a lifetime of treasures.
At last count, the death toll from the unprecedented four-day fire event stood at 10 and more than 9,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged.
The Biden Administration has swiftly responded to the climate change-driven crisis.
The president visited California on Wednesday and later vowed that the federal government will cover 100 percent of the disaster assistance costs for California for the next 180 days.“I told the governor and local officials, spare no expense to contain these fires,” Biden said
“We’re doing literally everything we can at the federal level.”The president has sent 400 additional federal firefighters to the state and more than 30 firefighting helicopters and planes.
Canada is also providing firefighting aircraft.While all of these measures and promises have brought comfort to California, Biden only has 11 more days in office.
And President-elect Donald Trump has taken the opposite tact, roundly criticizing California officials for the fires and spreading misinformation and falsehoods that have since been debunked.In addition to the Biden Administration, the travel industry has provided an outpouring of assistance and support for Los Angeles and its impacted residents.Local organizations such as the Hotel Association of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board are pitching in, as are international, national, and regional tourism industry operators including Airbnb, Delta Airlines, Internova, and Signature.
Here’s a closer look at what’s unfolding.
Wildfires devastated many areas throughout Los Angeles this week. (Photo Credit: Courtesy Ken Shapiro)
Hotels throughout the Los Angeles region are providing shelter and supplies to Angelenos who have been forced to evacuate amid the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires, according to a statement from the Hotel Association of Los Angeles (HALA) that was provided to TravelPulse.
“We are devastated by the destruction of the fires raging across the Los Angeles region,” HALA’s Board of Directors said in a statement.
“Hotels are currently taking in thousands of Angelenos who have been displaced…Many of our hotels are providing guests with discounted rates and the necessities they may have left behind in their evacuation, including toiletries.
”In addition, many hotels are welcoming guests’ pets. Some of the pet-friendly properties offering assistance to evacuees are Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport, Alisal Ranch, and the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa.The hotel industry is also donating bedding and personal care items to temporary shelters, according to HALA.
“We stand ready to continue assisting Angelenos and first responders during this crisis,” said the HALA Board of Directors.Airbnb has also stepped in to provide assistance, offering free, temporary housing for those who have been impacted and displaced amid the wildfires.
The home sharing platform is partnering with the nonprofit group 211 LA to help connect impacted residents with lodging. There’s an intake form currently live on 211 LA’s website.Home sharing platform VRBO is also providing some support for those impacted by the wildfires.
The online holiday rental marketplace is refunding guests who need to cancel reservations in fire-affected areas.
The Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board has provided a wealth of information on its website designed to help those looking for assistance, as well as guide those interested in providing support for the region.
“At this time, our primary focus is the safety and well-being of both our residents and visitors as we navigate this challenging situation,” Jennifer Tong, director of International PR and communications for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, told TravelPulse.In addition, the organization posted a statement on its website in response to the deadly wildfires “We are heartbroken to see the devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires,” said the organization.
“We urge everyone to stay informed through the Los Angeles Fire Department to follow all warnings and evacuation orders from first responders.”“Our hearts are with the members of our community during this difficult time,” the statement continues.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the first responders who have worked tirelessly to combat the fires since they began on Tuesday.”According to the tourism board, both the Los Angeles International Airport and the Port of Los Angeles continue to operate without interruption, remaining fully open and functional.
However, air quality in Los Angeles has been significantly impacted due to the ongoing wildfires. Residents and visitors, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, young children, and the elderly, are advised to take precautions.
For specific information about current air quality levels in your area and health recommendations, the tourism board recommends using the platform AirNow.gov, which provides interactive information about local air quality by zip code.The tourism board website also provides a long list of individual hotels, by region around Los Angeles county, that are offering shelter to those impacted.Delta Airlines has also stepped in to help Los Angeles, contributing $1 million to the American Red Cross for wildfire relief efforts.
The contribution is in addition to a $1 million grant to the American Red Cross as an Annual Disaster Giving Program partner from The Delta Air Lines Foundation.”Serving people, whether they are our customers or our neighbors in the communities where we live, work and serve, is part of Delta’s DNA,” Tad Hutcheson, managing director – community engagement, said in a statement.
“The destruction across California and especially in the Los Angeles area is devastating, and we want to do what we can to help those in need,” added Hutcheson.
“One of the most effective ways we can help the community is by investing in the disaster relief efforts of the American Red Cross, our partner for 84 years.”
Delta customers who want to support relief efforts for wildfire victims can also do so by donating through Delta’s customer microsite on the Red Cross website here.
All donations will go toward immediate relief needs.Signature Travel Network CEO Alex Sharpe, meanwhile said Thursday that his organization is offering all support possible to members affected by the fire.
“Ultimately, we will route those in need of financial support to Family Bonds Foundation and continue to support them through our sponsorship of that wonderful organization,” Sharpe said.Several Signature members had to be evacuated, Sharpe said, with some even having lost their homes entirely.Not to be overlooked, Lyft is providing free rides to shelters for impacted Los Angeles residents.
It is offering impacted individuals two rides of up to $25 each.“In response to the multiple wildfires in California, Lyft is committed to doing our part to help those in need. We’re activating our Lyft Up Disaster Response program to provide access to free and discounted rides to help those in the affected area travel to and from shelters with critical resources,” the company says on its website.Riders in need can use the code CAFIRERELIEF25, from now until January 15 at 11:59 p.m.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the wildfires in California,” Lyft Social Impact Manager Celia Moreno said in a statement. “At Lyft, safety is our top priority.
We’re closely monitoring the evolving conditions and staying in touch with our drivers, riders, and local officials. Lyft is committed to providing access to reliable transportation, especially in emergencies to support communities in need.”
Lyft is also activating its Round Up and Donate program to help those impacted by the wildfires. Riders can select the American Red Cross as the preferred nonprofit partner in the ‘Donate’ section of the Lyft app.
