How the Travel Industry is Supporting LA Wildfire Evacuees

The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have led to the evacuation of approximately 180,000 residents, leaving many without homes to return to. In response, the travel and hospitality industry has stepped up to offer crucial support to those affected by the disaster.

Accommodation Assistance

Airbnb has partnered with 211 LA, a nonprofit organization, to provide free temporary housing for those displaced by the fires. This initiative is funded by Airbnb.org, a nonprofit arm of Airbnb dedicated to offering emergency housing during crises. The focus is on residents from areas like Altadena, Malibu, and Santa Monica, who have either lost their homes or been forced to evacuate. Additionally, Vrbo, another holiday rental platform, is offering refunds to guests who had to cancel their stays in fire-affected regions.

Hotel Discounts

Hotels across Los Angeles are offering discounted rates to evacuees. The Los Angeles Tourism Board has compiled a list of participating hotels, including those in Anaheim, which are providing reduced rates for those affected in Southern California. Evacuees are advised to keep receipts and take photos for potential reimbursement through insurance claims.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations and Transportation Aid

For those fleeing with pets, several properties outside the city, such as the Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport and the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, are welcoming evacuees with their animals. In addition, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are offering free rides to shelters, with Uber providing up to $40 in free transport and Lyft offering two trips worth up to $25 each.

The collective efforts of these businesses highlight the travel industry’s commitment to supporting communities in times of crisis, providing much-needed relief to those impacted by the wildfires.