UPDATED January 13 – The IAFF remains on the ground in Los Angeles as members work to contain the wildfires which have now burned an area bigger than San Francisco and killed at least 24 people.
To date, the IAFF has received and is processing twelve disaster relief applications from members who have lost their homes to the fires. More are anticipated. Meanwhile, peer support counseling and other services are being made available to members in need.
January 10 – Thousands of IAFF members from across the state of California and beyond are working hard to contain the series of devastating Los Angeles wildfires that ignited Jan. 7. Fueled by the hurricane-force Santa Ana winds and drying conditions, the fires have quickly spread, burning more than 45 square miles and thousands of structures.
At least 180 IAFF members from 21 Locals live in the area of impact. Nine of them have confirmed the loss of their homes to the fires, and more are expected. General President Edward Kelly, General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Líma, 10th District Vice President Stephen Gilman, and some 10th District members are on the ground to assist.
“Our members are working around the clock under unrelenting conditions to protect the lives of Californians,” said Kelly. “The IAFF will be with them every step of the way, providing the resources and support they and their families need while working the frontlines of these devastating fires.”
“Our members are working around the clock under unrelenting conditions to protect the lives of Californians. The IAFF will be with them every step of the way, providing the resources and support they and their families need while working the frontlines of these devastating fires.”
General President Edward Kelly
Some companies are donating additional resources, including Nationwide, which donated $50,000, and Tesla, which has provided Starlink access to assist with internet connectivity. All resources will be distributed out of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112 headquarters, where a command center is being established.
“This situation here is very serious. And as the Santa Ana winds continue to blow, the size and nature of these fires are still in flux,” Gilman said. “We will be monitoring these fires and expand membership services as needed.”
Five fires are threatening Los Angeles area residents from the north, east, and west. Economic loss already is estimated at $50 billion, making it one of the costliest U.S. natural disasters.
The extreme winds have made it difficult for fire fighters to use aircraft to drop water and retardant. However, the winds did slow enough to allow some to get off the ground late on Jan. 8.
The biggest of the fires, the Palisades Fire, is being called the most destructive fire in the city’s history. Containment has been minimal so far with the most progress happening on the smaller fires.
“Once again, our members are showing their heroic dedication to their communities as they battle these catastrophic wildfires,” said Líma, who is a member of Local 112 and a fire captain with the Los Angeles Fire Department. “I’ve been on the ground working beside and talking with many of those on the fire lines letting them know the IAFF is grateful for their commitment and that we have their backs.”
You can support members impacted by the California fires with a tax-deductible donation to the IAFF Foundation.
