Caltech’s community is rallying around those affected by historic wildfires sweeping Southern California. The Eaton fire and Palisades fire have caused significant losses, with over 250 individuals and families losing their homes and more than 1,800 temporarily displaced due to evacuation orders.
“It’s a tragedy of epic proportions,” said Caltech President Thomas F. Rosenbaum. “Many colleagues have seen their homes destroyed, leaving them without material links to the past.” The university has responded with compassion, generosity, and support for those affected, working to resume fundamental missions of learning and discovery.
Classes on campus were canceled from January 8-13, but resumed remotely, followed by a planned return to in-person instruction on January 21. Staff members, who have been displaced by windstorms, worked tirelessly to support students and maintain grounds safety. The Institute has also taken measures to mitigate the effects of wildfire smoke, including upgrading air filters and providing masks.
A disaster relief fund has been established, which has already received over $2 million in commitments from more than 2,000 donors. All proceeds will be directed to members of the Caltech community impacted by the fires. The university is also sharing stories of resilience and community support through an email campaign.
For the latest updates on the wildfires and resources for those affected, visit caltech.edu/fire.
Source: https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/wildfires-impact-caltech-community