Inside Towers Database map overlaid with Western Fire Chiefs Association map
shows 553 towers within 10 miles of Pacific Palisades
The Palisades Fire in Southern California is shaping up to be one of the most devastating wildfires in Los Angeles history, according to Wildfire Today, as it remains uncontained and growing. Within just 24 hours of igniting, the wildfire has already reached zero percent containment, according to officials, and destroyed more than 1,000 structures in and around the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. The fire’s rapid spread is being fueled by hurricane-force winds and severe drought. A surge of plant growth, followed by quick drying, created an abundance of fuel for the fire, prompting officials to call it a “perfect storm” for wildfire spread.
At deadline yesterday, Inside Towers learned that the fire, dubbed the Eaton Fire, had reached Mount Wilson, home base for a plethora of wireless and broadcast towers serving the Los Angeles market. Speaking with KTLA-TV, one of the stations located on the site, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said fire officials were aware of the situation.
“I know, from the LA County side, that is an important infrastructure site” Crowley told KTLA-TV. “With that, I’m sure they are very well aware of that, and they are going to address that as soon as they are capable of doing so.”
Wildfire conditions and Public Safety Power Shutoffs in the Los Angeles area have caused service interruptions for some customers, according to Verizon (NYSE: VZ). The carrier posted yesterday that it is using a fleet of over 550 mobile assets, including drone and aerial technologies and nearly 300 satellite-based assets, to help cover connectivity issues when traditional infrastructures are compromised. Verizon said its engineers are working “quickly and safely,” coordinating with local public agencies to coordinate support and mitigate impacts for those customers affected across the area.
Verizon announced it will be offering customers in the hardest hit areas unlimited call/text/data to help them focus on what matters most – ensuring the safety of their family. More details about this relief will be available in the coming days. In addition, Verizon has deployed free WiFi and charging stations for public use in several locations (listed below) throughout the community:
- Westwood Recreation Center | 1350 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles 90025
- El Camino Real Charter High School | 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
- Oxnard College | 4000 S Rose Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93033
T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) said it is actively engaged with numerous federal, state and local officials and emergency management agencies across the region including FEMA, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency and several city emergency operation centers. They are coordinating with California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to support first responder command posts and staging sites ensuring critical connectivity.
AT&T (NYSE: T) said it is waiving overage charges to provide unlimited talk, text and data for AT&T Postpaid & Prepaid customers with billing addresses in zip codes across affected areas from January 8, 2025, through February 6, 2025.
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