One Year Later: Strengthening Wildfire Preparedness Across Southern California
One year ago, Southern California experienced one of its most destructive wildfire events in recent history. For communities across Los Angeles County and beyond, the impact was devastating.
I arrived on scene the day after the fires began, while response efforts were still unfolding. Driving through Pacific Palisades, the scale of destruction was difficult to process – neighborhoods reduced to empty lots, homes completely gone.
Beyond the physical destruction, I could see the impact it had on families when I visited a Red Cross Shelter. Many were exhausted and overwhelmed, trying to contact loved ones, get reliable information, and make sense of what just happened. They were asking the same question, unsure of the answer: would they be able to return home.
In the middle of that uncertainty, I could also see the hope first responders provided, working around the clock in grueling conditions to help save lives. It reinforced my deep respect for not just how difficult their jobs are, but how well they are able to do them.
As a member of the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team, my role often places me behind roadblocks within hours of a fire’s start, helping ensure first responders have access to the mission-critical communications capabilities they need. When fires move this quickly, the effectiveness of the response often comes down to the preparations made long before the first call comes in.
Preparing Before the Fire Strikes
Wildfires are now a persistent reality across California. Meeting that challenge requires year-round preparation and continued investment.
At Verizon, that work includes strengthening our network to perform under extreme conditions and continue operating when it matters most:
- Reliable Power: Major cell sites are equipped with battery backup, and permanent generators are installed across thousands of locations to support service during extended outages.
- Hardened infrastructure: Critical network centers are built with reinforced construction and redundant power systems to withstand intense heat and keep operating in high demand.
- First Responder Priority: We ensure public safety crews have the critical connectivity and priority access needed to manage emergencies and fight fires.
- Innovation for frontline response: We support and develop innovative technology solutions to help first responders operating in high-risk environments.
These measures are designed to support first responders and help communities stay connected when other systems are under stress.
Preparedness at a Personal Level
Wildfires move quickly and conditions can change in minutes. According to guidance from the American Red Cross and Ready.gov, wildfire preparation should prioritize actions that enable fast evacuation.
They recommend residents:
- Have a go-bag ready: Keep essential items such as medications, identification, and basic supplies packed in advance so you can leave quickly if conditions change.
- Know where you’re going: Identify evacuation destinations ahead of time, including shelters or safe locations outside the fire area.
- Prepare homes and vehicles in advance: Secure flammable items, maintain defensible space where possible, and keep vehicles fueled.
Taking these simple steps not only protects your household, but also strengthens the resilience of your entire community.
Staying Connected – During and After the Fires
Verizon teams were among the first on the ground responding to the Southern California wildfires, working alongside first responders to support emergency communications. And our commitment didn’t end when the flames were contained.
One year later, rebuilding continues, and so does our presence. Mobile assets remain deployed to support ongoing recovery efforts in affected communities. Through Verizon's Community Disaster Resilience Initiative, we partner with organizations like United Way to provide proactive preparedness workshops to empower at-risk communities. And in partnership with Habitat for Humanity we are helping people return home.
We remain focused on strengthening our network, supporting public safety partners, and helping Southern California communities recover and stay prepared in a landscape where wildfire risk is no longer seasonal.
