With more than 10,000 structures destroyed, numerous lives lost and widespread evacuations, the Los Angeles fires are the most destructive in the city’s history – and one of the most devastating firestorms ever in the US. Amidst the evolving situation, we’ve created a reliable hub to keep you in the loop with the most accurate updates.
Update on closures
Monday, 13 January 2025
Many attractions and museums in fire-affected areas remain temporarily closed or have schedule changes.
Visitors are advised to check official websites or social media for the latest updates. However, a full list of closed attractions and cancelled events can be found on Los Angeles Tourism’s dedicated web page here.
Information on wildfire relief accommodation across LA County can be found here.
Weather update
Monday, 13 January 2025
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), weather conditions are predicted to remain “critical” for at least several more days, hamperinf firefighting efforts.
“Southern California is facing critical fire weather through Wednesday,” it states.
“Life-threatening winds and dangerously low humidity are forecast for much of Southern California – from Ventura to San Diego – creating a significant risk of rapid fire spread.”
Damage bill
Monday, 13 January 2025
US weather forecaster AccuWeather has estimated that the Los Angeles wildfires have to date caused around $135-$150 billion (approximately AU$220-$244 billion) in damage, affecting property, jobs, crops, infrastructure, supply chains and of course, tourism.
The estimate includes evacuation, cleanup, health impacts and long-term effects on transportation, business and mental health, highlighting the fires’ widespread economic and social toll.
On Sunday evening (local time), the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said in a statement that the death toll from the fires had risen to 24, AP reported.
Airports fully open
Monday, 13 January 2025
LA’s main gateway for Australians and other international and domestic visitors, Los Angeles Airport (LAX) says it is still open and operating normally, but has advised travellers to check their flight status directly with their airline. Other airports in the LA area such as Hollywood Burbank Airport and Long Beach Airport are also operating normally.
Meanwhile, LA’s main public transportation body, Metro, states that some bus lines remain impacted. However, “all rail lines are running regular service”. It is also still providing free fares while fire conditions exist.
DFAT update
Monday, 13 January 2025
For Australian travellers, DFAT updated its travel advice for LA on Monday. Here’s part of its most recent update:
“Local authorities have declared a disaster and public health emergency. Heavy smoke and ash have degraded air quality conditions in Los Angeles County. Power outages and road closures are affecting parts of Los Angeles County. Monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.”
Its overall advice level for the US is unchanged.
Tourism & hospitality sectors praised
Sunday, 12 January 2025
Amid the devastation, the city’s tourism office, the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, has commended the response from LA County’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
“The situation remains dynamic, and our focus continues to be on the safety and well-being of residents, visitors and first responders across our city,” it states.
“This week, we’ve witnessed the unwavering unity of our community in the face of tragedy. The tourism and hospitality sectors acted swiftly to meet the needs of Angelenos and visitors.”
“From securing hotel accommodations and support for those displaced to the restaurant community stepping up to provide meals during an urgent time of need, their efforts have been a testament to LA’s compassion and solidarity.
The authority also reminded visitors and others caught up in the fires to “stay informed and follow all warnings and evacuation orders from first responders”.
Air, land and sea
Friday, 10 January 2025
Los Angeles Airport (LAX) and the Port of Los Angeles remain open and fully operational. No disruptions have been reported from either hub. Other airports in the regions most impacted by the multiple fires – Burbank Airport and Ontario Airport – aren’t reporting any disruptions to traffic.
Meanwhile, the LA Metro says some bus and rail services have been impacted due to the wildfires and wind. It has also continued to waive fares until Friday, 10 January (local time). More information here.
Closures continue & widen
Friday, 10 January 2025
After attractions shut earlier in the week, many more venues and events in LA have closed or been postponed amid the wildfires. Here’s a summary:
Venues closed:
- Angeles National Forest: Closed until Jan. 15 for safety.
- Academy Museum, Autry Museum, Griffith Observatory, MOCA Grand Avenue, Petersen Automotive Museum: Closed Jan. 9.
- Getty Center & Villa: Closed until Jan. 12 and Jan. 13, respectively.
- Hollywood Bowl, Griffith Park, LA Zoo: Closed until further notice.
- Universal Studios & CityWalk, Warner Bros. Studio Tours, Paramount Pictures Tours: Closed Jan. 9.
- Natural History Museum, LACMA, Hammer Museum, Kidspace Museum: Closed Jan. 9-10.
- Madame Tussauds Hollywood, Music Center: Temporarily closed.
Cancelled/Postponed events:
- Vikings vs Rams (NFL): Relocated to Arizona.
- Lakers vs Hornets (NBA): Postponed; new date TBA.
- Wicked at Pantages Theatre: Canceled Jan. 9; resumes Jan. 10.
- Trinity-Mission League Showcase: Rescheduled to Feb. 1.
- LA Phil (Walt Disney Concert Hall): Canceled Jan. 10–12.
- ALTer Ego Concert: Canceled Jan. 11 at Kia Forum.
- Critics Choice Awards, TV Tapings: Postponed.
Visit the official websites or contact the venues for updates and rescheduling options.
For further information and updates, Los Angeles Tourism also encourages travel advisors to visit https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/info.
Airline update
Friday, 10 January 2025
With a State of Emergency declared in LA, Air New Zealand has offered the following options for affected customers travelling until 13 January 2025:
- Flexible Tickets: Unused tickets can be held as credit for future travel within 12 months.
- Travel Earlier: Changes to earlier flights are allowed without fees, penalties, or fare differences.
- Refunds: Normal refund rules apply based on fare conditions.
- Incidental Costs: Accommodation, meals, and other costs are the customer’s responsibility; check travel insurance for coverage.
All changes should be endorsed as “Invol reroute due LAX Fires”. Updates to guidelines will follow as needed.
Helpful resources
Friday, 10 January 2025
Here’s a reminder of the resources available to visitors and those impacted by the fires.
- NotifyLA is LA’s emergency notification system. Visitors can register their mobile or VoIP numbers here.
- For information on appropriate preparations, see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan, see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information, see redcross.org
- The California Community Foundation, Wildfire Recovery Fund supports recovery and resilience for wildfire-impacted communities, focusing on underserved populations. Learn more calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund
- The Los Angeles Fire Foundation funds equipment and programs to assist LAFD in saving lives and protecting communities. Learn more supportlafd.org/
- airbnb.org is offering free temporary housing for those displaced by the LA wildfires, partnering with 211 LA to connect people. Click here.
- Many hotels in the LA area are offering relief accommodation for those displaced by the fires. For a full listing of properties, visit the Hotel Association of Los Angeles.
LA Tourism update
Thursday, 9 January 2024
Wreaking havoc across large parts of LA, multiple fires are impacting locals and visitors alike, with closures and disruptions affecting popular tourist attractions and travel plans.
In a statement, Los Angeles Tourism urged everyone in the affected areas to stay updated on the ever-evolving situation.
“The fires remain active, and the safety of residents, visitors, and first responders in the affected areas is our highest priority,” it stated.
“We urge everyone to stay informed through the Los Angeles Fire Department for the latest evacuation updates and to follow all warnings and evacuation orders from first responders.”
Attractions shut
Thursday, 9 January 2024
Among the venues currently closed are:
- Universal Studios & CityWalk: Closed due to fire and wind conditions. “Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be closed today as a result of the extreme winds and fire conditions,” a statement says. “We will continue to assess the situation and expect to open for business tomorrow (Thursday local time). “The safety of our team members and our guests is our top priority.”
- Getty Center & Getty Villa: Getty Center closed Jan 8; Getty Villa remains closed until Jan 13. Updates pending.
- Skirball Cultural Center: Closed due to Palisades Fire. Contact for ticket rescheduling or refunds.
- Six Flags Magic Mountain: Closed Jan 8 due to weather. Tickets valid for any operating day until Dec 31, 2025.
- Griffith Observatory: Closed all day Jan 8. Follow social media for reopening updates.
- Griffith Park & Surrounding Areas: Includes Hollywood Sign, L.A. Zoo, and Runyon Canyon. Closed until further notice for safety.
- Warner Bros. Studio Tours: Closed Jan 8. Reschedule or refund requests via phone or email.
- LA Kings Game: Postponed. Tickets remain valid for rescheduled date. Updates to follow.
- Shows & Tapings: Critics Choice Awards and TV show tapings paused. Updates pending.
- Pasadena Playhouse: Closed for safety. Offices and box office also closed.
NotifyLA is Los Angeles’ emergency notification system, delivering geo-targeted alerts via phone, text or email. Visitors can register their mobile or VoIP numbers to receive updates here.
Other resources include:
- For information on appropriate preparations, see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan, see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information, see redcross.org
Air travel & transport update
Thursday, 9 January 2024
Operations at Los Angeles Airport, which lies within 20kms of the Palisades Fire, remain normal.
“LAX is open and operating normally. Passengers should check their flight status directly with their airline,” the airport says on its website.
Burbank Airport, the closest major airport to the Eaton Fire, says on social media that “Weather conditions are impacting various flight operations today [Wednesday local time]”.
“Check with your airline on the status of your flight before heading to BUR.”
On its website, Southwest Airlines says that flights to Los Angeles, Burbank, Orange County and Ontario “may be delayed, diverted, and/or cancelled” from Wednesday to Friday (8-10 January local time)”.
Other airlines that operate in the area are not reporting of any major disruptions.
Elsewhere, LA County has reported that Metro Los Angeles has waived fees today for riders who are “evacuating a fire and need to get to safety and shelter”.
According to Metro LA, there have also been “service impacts to some bus and rail lines on Wednesday”.
“Bus shuttles replace trains in both directions Wednesday on A Line between Southwest Museum and Fillmore stations due to wind damage to overhead wires,” it states on its website.
State response
Thursday, 9 January 2024
Visit California says it has activated its Crisis Communications Plan to support the state, visitors and impacted communities.
In a message to Visit California’s industry partners, President and CEO Caroline Beteta says “containment of the fires remains elusive as the region grapples with unusually strong Santa Ana winds”.
“The dangerous weather is forecasted to last through Thursday, triggering Red Flag Warnings for much of Southern California,” she states.
“Governor Newsom has declared a state of emergency, and California has secured Federal Emergency Management Agency grants to support the fire response.”
By initiating its Crisis Communications Plan, Beteta says VC is “working closely with partners in affected destinations in the region to communicate accurate and up-to-date information to potential visitors around the world”.
“All 13 international offices are working with travel trade partners in each market, providing the latest information on areas impacted by the fires. We remain in close contact with CalFire, Caltrans, and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services,” she adds.
“Finally – and most importantly – with developments happening quickly, we depend on industry partners like yourself to be our eyes and ears. Please continue to send us on-the-ground information that should be shared with travellers to ensure that we have accurate, up-to-date information.”
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has not updated its overall advice for travel to the US, including to Los Angeles.
