Is It Safe to Travel to Los Angeles Amid Wildfires?

 

Is It Safe to Travel to Los Angeles Amid Wildfires?

Los Angeles is grappling with a wildfire crisis that has claimed 11 lives, injured hundreds, and destroyed over 12,000 structures. As powerful winds fuel the blazes, mandatory evacuations have displaced more than 180,000 people. If you plan to travel to Los Angeles, here’s what you need to know.

Travel Safety

If you’re set to visit Los Angeles in the coming days, consider postponing your trip. Evacuation orders have disrupted residential and tourist hubs, including West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica, where many shops, restaurants, and attractions are closed.

Popular sites like the Getty Villa, Griffith Park, and Will Rogers State Historic Park are shut down, and others operate limited hours. The Pacific Coast Highway between Santa Monica and Malibu is also closed due to severe damage.

Air Quality Concerns

The city is experiencing dangerously poor air quality, with health officials advising people to limit outdoor activities.

Fire Locations

Fires are burning across multiple areas:

• Palisades Fire: 21,596 acres burned, 8% contained.
• Eaton Fire: 14,117 acres burned, 3% contained.
• Smaller fires, such as Archer, Hurst, Kenneth, and Lidia, are mostly contained.

The Santa Ana winds—hot, dry gusts—exacerbate the crisis. These winds, combined with severe drought and dry vegetation, have turned the region into a tinderbox.

Airport Status

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) remains operational, though high winds may affect flight approaches. Travelers should monitor their flight status for updates.

Refunds and Insurance

• Refunds: Without a government-issued travel advisory, standard booking conditions apply, meaning refunds are unlikely unless directly impacted by the wildfires. Airbnb is offering refunds for bookings in affected areas.
• Travel Insurance: Policies covering natural disasters may offer reimbursement for cancellations or alternative accommodations. Check with your provider to confirm coverage.

What to Do if You’re Already in LA

If you’re in an area affected by the fires:

1. Follow local advice via the Los Angeles Fire Department’s alerts page.
2. Move to a safe location.
3. Contact your tour operator, airline, or travel provider for assistance.

If you’re scheduled to fly home soon, confirm your flight status with your airline.