Palisades Fire, January 8 (Photo: CAL FIRE_Official – Palisades Fire, Public Domain)
Unusually early for California’s wildfire season, Los Angeles is battling some of the most devastating wildfires in its history, with thousands of residents, including Veterans, displaced and widespread destruction across the region. The ongoing disaster has prompted the deployment of military aircraft and the California National Guard resources to assist overwhelmed firefighters and law enforcement as residents flee the impacted areas.
The fires, fueled by strong seasonal winds, have claimed at least 24 lives, destroyed thousands of structures, and prompted evacuation orders for over 180,000 residents. The home of an 86-year-old Army Veteran Roosevelt Pullem, a retired nurse who served in the Korean War, was destroyed, leaving him with only enough time to grab his car keys as the Eaton Fire rapidly swept through his neighborhood, leveling home after home.
Among the areas affected is Pacific Palisades, where the blaze has consumed over 17,000 acres. American Legion Palisades Post 283 has launched an online Palisades Fire Resource Hub to provide critical support and information to those affected in the area. Post 283 invites residents, organizations, and businesses to assist in recovery efforts. For more information, updates, or questions, contact Post 283 at HQ@Post283.com.
Currently, 88,000 residents of Los Angeles County remain under evacuation orders. Authorities have implemented curfews for the Palisades and Eaton fire zones from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. to ensure public safety and assist firefighting operations.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency and deployed 2,500 California National Guard members to support firefighting efforts, assisting law enforcement, and ensuring public safety in impacted communities.
DOD has mobilized ten Navy helicopters equipped with water delivery buckets and four Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System units, which can convert C-130 Hercules aircraft into firefighting planes. The Pentagon is prepared to send additional resources as conditions allow, heavy smoke and strong winds are making it difficult, according to spokesperson Sabrina Singh.
“Right now, we can’t even get assets up in the air because the fires and winds are so severe,” Singh said.
The National Weather Service has issued “particularly dangerous situation” red flag wind warnings from Tuesday morning through noon Wednesday. Forecasters predict “extremely critical fire weather” for parts of Southern California, with the strongest winds expected Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday.
The VA is also stepping up to assist the Los Angeles County’s Veteran population. With over 305,000 Veterans residing in the county, including more than 84,000 served by the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, the department is reaching out to provide support.
“We’re reaching out to all impacted Veterans in the area to ensure they know we’re here for them,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “For those needing assistance, please call 1-800-MyVA411 or visit va.gov/resources/disaster-help.”
The VA is offering housing assistance to Veterans who may face homelessness due to the fires. Additionally, organizations like Disabled American Veterans are providing disaster relief grants to Veterans in need. As the fires continue to rage, state and federal agencies are working tirelessly to protect communities, with particular attention to the needs of Veterans and other vulnerable populations. For displaced residents, California has opened four shelters, Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Westwood Recreation Center, El Camino Real Charter High School, and Ritchie Valens Recreation Center.
Individuals and business owners in Los Angeles County affected by the wildfires can apply for disaster assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. California Veterans can visit CA.gov/LAfires for information and resources from state, local, and federal agencies. The California State Legion Headquarters is providing a one-time grant for each natural disaster; for more details and to apply, visit the calegion webpage.
To assist Legionnaires impacted by the ongoing fires, visit the California Legion Family Emergency Assistance Fund webpage to donate.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.