Wildfires Ravage L.A. County, Members and Owners of CrossFit Los Angeles “Have Lost Everything”
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The Pacific Palisades fire, one of three fires currently raging through Los Angeles County, was first reported at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7.
- Since then, it has grown quickly as powerful and erratic winds swept through the region, causing the initial evacuation of 30,000 residents and gridlocked streets, as those who fled by car were forced to abandon their vehicles and flee on foot.
Later that day, a second fire broke out in the hills above Altadena, in Eaton, a community in northern Los Angeles, which subsequently prompted 40,000 more people to evacuate their homes.
As the fires continued to rage, propelled by wind gusts of over 70 miles per hour, a third fire broke out on Wednesday, January 8, in the Hollywood Hills, resulting in further evacuations.
- At this time, according to CNN, nearly 2,000 structures have burned, 130,000 residents are under evacuation orders, and five people have died.
One big thing: Among the structures that have already been destroyed in the fires were the homes of several community members and the affiliate owners of Oak Park/CrossFit Los Angeles, a 20-year affiliate that celebrated its 20th anniversary in December 2024.
- Games athlete Dusty Hyland asked for support on social media and shared that he had set up a GoFundMe account to raise money for those who have lost everything.
The GoFundMe campaign description reads:
- “Starting January 7, devastating fires are tearing through parts of LA, leaving the city, including members of our Oak Park / CrossFit LA community’s homes destroyed- including the affiliate owners. We are raising funds to help the families rebuild and recover. Insurance doesn’t always cover these kinds of fires. They have lost everything.”
“Your donation will go directly to the gym owner and families who have lost their homes,” the description concluded.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Chad Augustin, Pasadena Fire Chief and six-time CrossFit Games athlete, spoke about the devastation of the Eaton Fire.
- “We can confirm that the Eaton Fire is now over 10,600 acres at 0% containment. I’d be remiss, though, if I didn’t highlight some of the heroic actions by your public safety police and fire, who literally save lives – pulling people out from burning buildings, getting people out of streets and vehicles where they had no way to evacuate. Our death count today would be significantly higher without their heroic actions,” Augustin said.
He went on to say that they have requested 60 “strike teams” and have 750 firefighters currently working to extinguish the fires. He also noted that multiple agencies are working together.
- He encouraged people to stay vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if told to do so as the weather continues to change rapidly.
The bottom line: These fires have devastated Los Angeles County and are still raging. First responders, especially firefighters and EMTs, are at the heart of the CrossFit community.
In the coming days, we will likely hear more stories of devastation and loss, as well as of the heroic actions of first responders and citizens alike.
We will share more once we can.
Featured image: @dustyhyland / Instagram
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