The business aviation ecosystem has been playing a role in helping mitigate the wildfires that have raged through the Los Angeles area since January 7, even as local staffers face their own concerns. Thus far, the blazes have killed nearly 30 people, destroyed more than 12,000 buildings, and scorched 60 square miles.
With industry members among those displaced by the disaster, Universal Weather and Aviation has partnered with the Southern California Business Aviation Association to launch a GoFundMe campaign to provide immediate relief to those affected, with the global trip support provider kicking in an initial $20,000.
At Van Nuys Airport (KVNY), one of the busiest general aviation airfields in the country, Signature Aviation has been fueling the quartet of Canadair CL-415 “Super Scooper” water bombers sent from Canada, which have been one of the primary weapons in the battle to contain the conflagration. Officials are making progress: reports today say that the Eaton Fire is 65% contained and the Palisades Fire is 31% contained.
The company noted that it has also assisted with the arrival of additional firefighting reserves at its Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) location. According to a Signature spokesperson, it is supporting local firefighters and community members through donations to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the California Community Foundation.
Atlantic Aviation reported that its locations at Santa Monica Airport (KSMO), KLAX, and Burbank Airport (KBUR) are providing fuel discounts to Cal Fire and any other firefighting agency needing aviation-related fuel or support, and its facility at Long Beach Airport (KLGB) hosted a donations collection site for fire victims in need of supplies.
Jet Aviation, another FBO at KVNY, noted that its global network is supporting the Los Angeles region through the local chapter of the American Red Cross.