The devastating wildfires currently sweeping across areas of Los Angeles have cost 24 lives, with another 16 missing, at the time of writing, and are estimated by Accuweather to have caused up to $150 billion of damage to homes, businesses, infrastructure and nature, around 10 times more than the Maui wildfires in 2023.
With hundreds of people injured, at least 12,300 buildings destroyed, according to reports in the Sunday Times, over 180,000 people evacuated, and, says NBC, about 65,000 utility customers without power, and with weather conditions due to worsen again, the travel outlook for many areas is at present challenging for a number of reasons and journeys should be reconsidered.
Where are the fires and is the airport closed?
Raging fires that have only been minimally contained are still burning in many areas. The Palisades area ten miles north of downtown LA, and the Eaton fire, north of Pasadena, have destroyed nearly 30,000 acres between them and are both less than 20% contained. The Palisades fire is now threatening Brentwood, Encino and Westwood too.
Fires in Archer, Hurst and West Hills have been brought under control for now but the violent “Santa Ana” winds that have dried vegetation to a crisp and whipped up and driven the fires’ ferocity are forecast to grow stronger again in the coming days.
Those winds could affect operations at Los Angeles International (LAX) which is ten miles southeast of Palisades. For now though, a notice on the airport website says “LAX is open and operating normally. Passengers should check their flight status directly with their airline.”
What are the health and safety risks?
In addition to the obvious risk of burns, smoke inhalation and death if one is trapped by a fire, air quality across much of the city is poor, and official advice is to “consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors”. Los Angeles County has declared a public health emergency, warning about the short and long-term effects of inhaling smoke and particulates.
In these conditions, even getting into trouble for reasons other than the fire, such as experiencing crime or a health problem for instance, could leave one without immediate assistance and could potentially take resources away from others in need of help.
Are hotels, tourist areas and attractions open?
Mandatory evacuation orders have affected over 180,000 people, including in areas popular with tourists such as West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. This means many restaurants and shops are also closed, while hotels such as the Biltmore, the Hoxton and the Regent Santa Monica have opened their doors to evacuees.
Tourist attractions such as the Getty Villa, Griffith Park and the Will Rogers State Historic Park have been closed. Some are open but have reduced opening hours or services to a minimum. The popular and scenic Pacific Coast Highway or Route 1 is closed between Malibu and Santa Monica.
Should I cancel my trip and will I be refunded?
In the circumstances described above, tourists are advised to consider the wisdom of their visit and the welcome locals will be able to offer.
Unfortunately, official sources such as the US State Department and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) have so far stopped short of advising against travel, meaning it is down to the policy conditions of travellers’ individual airlines, insurances and accommodation as to whether they will receive any reimbursements.
Current FCDO advice reads: “Fast-spreading wildfires are currently active within Los Angeles County. Monitor local media and follow the advice of the local authorities. More detailed information can be found on CAL FIRE.
