Fire emergency in Los Angeles

Los Angeles (USA). Since  7 January 2025, a series of fires, from as yet unknown causes, are enveloping the county of Los Angeles, California, causing casualties, destruction, and more than 150,000 displaced people. The fires are fueled by the Santa Ana winds, dry and hot winds blowing from the interior to the California coast, fostered by the particularly strong drought this year.

On 10 January, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Immaculate Mary Province (SUO) send news about the Communities:

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has compiled a list of resources, including information on evacuation centers and shelters, animal boarding, supply distribution, device charging, Mass and prayer services, and more. Several Masses have been celebrated and others have had to suspend due to evacuation warnings.

Early this morning at 4:00 am the Community “Mary Help of Christians” of Bellflower, received an emergency message from the Los Angeles County Fire Department stating an EVACUATION WARNING issued in this area. All people were asked to remain vigilant of any threats and be ready to evacuate. To gather loved ones, pets, and supplies while continuing to monitor local weather, news and follow safety protocols.

The situation seems to have improved due to the dying Santa Ana winds which allows the first responders to work more effectively. However this situation can all change if those winds begin to pick up again. This morning they were approximately at 60 miles per hour but this is very dynamic situation.

Other dangers and difficulties have arisen due to scammers taking advantage of the situation passing as legitimate organizations looking to help. They take advantage of the goodness of people in helping. Authorities have stated they will be processed to the full extent of the law. Looting is also another problem that seems to be on the rise as the fire is being controlled.

Air quality has improved a bit in certain areas but it continues to be a risk and has potential respiratory health risks. There is also an urgency to have clean non-contaminated water to reach all citizens.

Public agencies have been working around the clock to restore safety and basic needs of the people such as shelter, water, and electricity.

Our two communities in the area – Bellflower and Los Angeles “St. Thomas the Apostle” – continue to be present in their respective educational communities. The sisters are taking safety precautions in the mission. At the current time, they are working with “Evacuation Warnings” still in place.

As members of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, we join Archbishop José Gomez in praying for all those affected by the devastating fires in Southern California. Our hearts are heavy as we witness the destruction that is affecting so many of our neighbors, friends, and loved ones. We hold all those impacted, especially those who have lost homes, in our prayers.

We also extend our gratitude to all firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to ensure further devastation is mitigated.

Please keep praying for all those suffering in the wildfires sweeping through southern California. Our hearts go out to our neighbors who have lost their homes and livelihoods. May God keep all of our brothers and sisters safe and bring end to these fires!

On 11 January, Pope Francis, through Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, approached the Archbishop of Los Angeles, Msgr. José H. Gómez:

“Saddened by the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the fires near Los Angeles, His Holiness Pope Francis assures you and the communities affected by this tragedy of his spiritual closeness. Entrusting the souls of the dead to the loving mercy of Almighty God, His Holiness sends heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss. He also prays for the relief efforts of the emergency services personnel and imparts his blessing to all as a pledge of consolation and strength in the Lord.”