Photo:Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty
Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty
The Los Angeles area has been battlingthe worst series of wildfires in its historysince the first deadly blazes ignited on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
While the flames become more contained each day, the devastation 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 huge role, many would-be visitors are wondering whether it’s safe to travel to L.A. right now — and how they can ensure their presence has a positive impact.
Smoke from the wildfires seen over the Santa Monica pier on Jan. 11, 2025.Apu Gomes/Getty
Apu Gomes/Getty
Should Tourists Be Visiting L.A. During the Fires?
“As long as you stay informed and follow safety guidelines, you won’t be in the way,” the organization says. “The key to traveling responsibly and respectfully is being mindful of the current wildfire situation, avoiding areas in distress, and showing kindness.”
Many famous tourist destinations like the Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica Pier and Universal Studios Hollywood remain open and are welcoming travelers.
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, LA Tourism CEO Adam Burke says, “With over 540,000 Angelenos working in the tourism sector and more than 1,000 local businesses relying on our industry for their livelihoods, travelers continuing to visit our City of Angels for leisure, business, and meetings & conventions has never been more critical. In moments like these, tourism does more than drive our economy – it becomes a lifeline in supporting our community’s recovery.”
Additionally, Santa Monica has “sustained no damage” from the fires, and the city is “ready to welcome visitors with open arms,” Lauren Salisbury, Vice President of Communications forSanta Monica Travel & Tourism, tells PEOPLE.
The Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena.Rose Bowl Stadium
Rose Bowl Stadium
“In the wake of the Eaton Fire, we’ve witnessed the resilience and generosity of our Pasadena community. The outpouring of support really makes you believe in the best of humanity,” she tells PEOPLE.
The Sunset Fire briefly threatened one of L.A.’s most popular tourist destinations, West Hollywood, on Jan. 8, however Eric Parker, Director of PR & Communications forVisit West Hollywoodtells PEOPLE, the city is “prioritizing visitors’ safety” as they welcome tourists during this time.
“Our West Hollywood hotel and business community is open and ready to welcome you. Our hearts go out to all those affected,” Parker shared in a statement. “The thousands of Angelenos who have been impacted are at the forefront of our thoughts, and our immense gratitude goes out to the brave first responders continuing to battle the blazes.”
The Hollywood sign during the Eaton wildfire on Jan. 9, 2025.Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty
Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty
Visit California has shared adetailed list of events coming upin January and February that visitors are encouraged to support. This includes attending events likeDine LA Restaurant Weekfrom Jan. 24 to Feb. 7., as L.A. Tourism will donate $5 per reservation to the American Red Cross.
Amid the ongoing natural disaster, tourists are urged to continue booking accommodations, eating at local restaurants and shopping at small businesses to support the livelihoods of residents in the area.
“Booking a stay in Santa Monica, enjoying a meal at our local restaurants and shopping at neighborhood businesses is a welcome way to contribute to our community and enjoy all our destination has to offer,” Salisbury adds.
In addition, travelers can consider making donations to organizations like theCalifornia Fire FoundationandCentral World Kitchen,PEOPLE previously shared. Visit California also released alist of resourcesto help support relief efforts, including how to help wildfire victims, firefighters and first responders, and animals in the area.
Volunteers helping with relief efforts amid the L.A. wildfires on Jan. 17, 2025.Apu Gomes/Getty
Helpful Resources for Staying Informed
For travelers who have a trip booked to Los Angeles, it’s a good idea to check for local fire updates from theCounty of Los Angeles,City of Santa MonicaandCity of Malibu.CAL FIREis also sharing frequent updates on the status of the wildfires that continue to burn in the region.
Discover Los Angelesis another good resource to check for updates on closures and cancellations. Per their official website, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the Port of Los Angeles are fully open and operating as normal. However, Visit California advises contacting local businesses and restaurants for updated information on their hours and operation.
Visitors can also download the freeWatch Dutyapp, which alerts users when new fires erupt and features a map of the ongoing fires and evacuation routes.
To check the current air quality in the area, travelers can keep an eye onAirNow.govthroughout their stay.
Firefighter battling the Palisades Fires on Jan. 8, 2025.Apu Gomes/Getty
What’s the Latest on the Wildfires?
The still-burning Palisades and Eaton fires first ignited on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and have tragically claimed the lives of at least 27 people.
The blazes, which sparked amid extremely dry conditions and high winds, have destroyed thousands of structures and acres of land. At least 180,000 residents were issued mandatory evacuation orders at one point, according to Los Angeles County officials.
New fires have since erupted in the last week. The Hughes Fire ignited north of Santa Clarita, but not far from Six Flags Magic Mountain, on Wednesday, Jan. 22. It burned over 9,400 acres in just hours, however it is currently more than 50% contained, according toThe Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Early Thursday, Jan. 23, the agency announced they were tackling a new blaze, the Sepulveda Fire, which erupted near the 405 Freeway. Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the ongoing fires.
Click hereto learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.
source: people.com
