Should You Visit Los Angeles Right Now? How to Safely Travel and Support Communities Affected by the Fires

The Los Angeles area is struggling with the worst number of forest fires in its history from the first deadly fires that have been planned on Tuesday, January 7th.

While the flames are becoming more closed every day, the destruction they have caused will have a lasting impact on the region in the months and years to come. In a city where tourism plays a big role, many potential visitors wonder if it is certainly now to travel to LA – and how they can ensure that their presence has a positive effect.

Here is all you need to know if you plan to travel to LA, including ways of supporting communities that are most affected by forest fires.

Smoke of forest fires seen above the Santa Monica port on January 11, 2025.

Apu Gomes/Getty

Should tourists visit las during the fire?

According to the official website of Visit California, more than 98% of Los Angeles district are luckily spared the fire, and many cities invite tourists to continue visiting them.

“As long as you are informed and follow the security guidelines, you will not bother,” they say from the organization. “The key to a responsible journey is respectful is to take care of the current situation with forest fires, avoiding areas in distress and showing kindness.”

Many famous tourist destinations such as Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica Pier and Universal StudioS Hollywood remain open and greet the passengers.

In addition, Santa Monica “has not suffered any damage” from the fire, and the city is “ready to welcome visitors with open arms,” ​​says People Lauren Salisbury, Vice President of Travel Communications and Tourism Santa Monica.

Pasadena – where the famous Rose Bowl stadium is currently serving as an emergency intervention command – many communities have been affected by the Eaton fire. While they continue to recover from the tragedy, it is now more important for passengers to come and support small businesses, says Kristin McGrath, Executive Director Visit Pasadena.

Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena.

Rose Bowl Stadium

“After a fire in Eaton, we have witnessed the resilience and generosity of our community in Pasadena. The outburst of support really makes you believe in the best of humanity,” she tells People.

McGrath adds: “In addition to donations, shopping and dining in local small companies in Pasadena, they will have a huge impact. Many of our restaurants and retail stores lead families living in Altadeni and work in Pasadena and lost their homes in the fire. Support gives them hope and Provides an much needed sense of normality as they work to re -build their lives. ”

Sunset Fire briefly threatened to one of the most popular tourist destinations in LA, West Hollywood, January 8, but Eric Parker, Director of PR and Communication for Visit West Hollywood, tells People to “give the city’s safety priority” while welcoming tourists during the tourist of this time.

“Our West Hollywood hotel and business community is open and ready to welcome you. Our hearts are with all those who are affected, “Parker said in a statement.” Thousands of Angelena who were affected are at the forefront of our thoughts, and our immense gratitude goes to courageous persons who first responded and continued to fight the fires. ”

Hollywood sign during a fire in Eaton 9 January 2025.

Tayfun Coskun/Anadolo via Getty

How to help communities affected by fires

Visit California shared a detailed list of events coming in January and February, which encourage visitors to support. This includes attending events such as Dine La Restaurant Week from January 24 to February 7, since LA Tourism will donate $ 5 per reservation to the US Red Cross.

In the midst of a natural disaster, tourists are invited to continue to reserve accommodation, eat at local restaurants and buy in small businesses to support the life of a population in the area.

“Reservation of stay in Santa Monica, enjoying a meal at our local restaurants and shopping at neighboring companies is a welcome way to contribute to our community and enjoy everything our destination has to offer,” Salisbury adds.

In addition, passengers can consider giving donations to organizations such as California Fire Foundation and Central World Kitchen, People shared earlier. Visit California also published a list of resources to help the effort to provide assistance, including how to help the fire victims, firefighters and emergencies and animals in the area.

McGrath adds: “To those looking for ways to return, I highly recommend that they support the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, a pasaden Humane Society or the American Red Cross, who all work incredibly to those affected by fires.”

Volunteers help the efforts to provide assistance in the middle of forest fires in LA 17 January 2025.

Apu Gomes/Getty

Utilized information sources

For passengers who have booked a trip to Los Angeles, it is a good idea to check the latest information about local fires from Los Angeles County, the City of Santa Monica and the City of Malibu. Cal Fire also shares frequent news about the status of forest fires that continue to burn in the region.

Discover Los Angeles is another good source to check updates on closing and cancellation. According to their official website, the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Luka Los Angeles are completely open and work as usual. However, Visit California advises you to contact local companies and restaurants for updated information about their working hours and work.

Visitors can also download a free Watch Duty application, which warns users when new fires break out and contain a map of existing fires and a evacuation route.

To check the current air quality in the area, passengers can follow Anow.gov during your stay.

The firefighter struggles with the Palisades fire on January 8, 2025.

Apu Gomes/Getty

What is the latest about forest fires?

Still burning fires in Palisades and Eaton were first planning on Tuesday, January 7th, and tragically took their lives at least 27 people.

The fires, which broke out in extremely dry conditions and strong winds, destroyed thousands of buildings and hectares of land. At least 180,000 inhabitants at one point received an order on mandatory evacuation, according to the Los Angeles Officials.

New fires broke out last week. The Hughes fire caught fire north of Santa Clarite, but not far from Six Flags Magic Mountain, on Wednesday, January 2nd. He burned over 9400 hectares in just a few hours, but currently more than 50% were restrained, according to the Ministry of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Early on Thursday, January 2, January, the agency announced that they were fighting with a new fire, a Sepulveda fire, which broke out near the highway 405. Firefighters are tirelessly working on restraining the fires that are ongoing.

Click here to find out more about how to help victims of fire in Los Angeles.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education