The devastating fires in the Los Angeles area have affected entire communities and hundreds of thousands of people. As we continue to respond to this disaster, we hope you, your family, and your friends are all safe.

The Communist Party of Southern California stands in solidarity with all those in the Los Angeles area who have been directly or indirectly affected by the devastating fires. Our hearts go out to those who have lost their lives, and we extend our deepest condolences to their families and friends. The loss of family homes and entire neighborhoods is a tragedy. We demand that all levels of government swiftly provide the necessary resources to extinguish the fires and aid in our communities’ immediate needs and reconstruction.

We are heartened by the stories of neighbors helping neighbors and diverse communities uniting to support each other during this disaster. These stories powerfully remind us that our common bonds are stronger than our differences. We categorically reject any attempt by Trump, the MAGA movement, or others to exploit this tragedy for divisive political purposes.

While corporate media focuses on the rich and famous affected by these fires, it’s important to recognize that Los Angeles is a city of working-class people. Many people have lost their jobs due to the fires, including those who worked in various businesses, gardeners, nannies, and housekeepers, most of whom are immigrants. We must all come together to demand the resources necessary to rebuild and recover.

We salute and express our deepest gratitude to all the unions, workers, and volunteers who have bravely stepped forward, often at great personal risk, to assist our communities in dire need. Your selfless actions are a testament to our city’s strength and resilience. We give special recognition to those incarcerated workers on the frontlines, who deserve the same pay and protections as other firefighters, and recognize all of the ways in which capitalism takes particular advantage of incarcerated labor through the perpetual replenishing of its racist system of mass incarceration.

If you or someone you know needs emergency resources or wants to help the victims of these fires, please visit some of the following links:

• The LA Mutual Aid Network’s link for emergency assistance
• Emergency resources from the California Federation of Labor Unions
• Donate to the RedCross by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999

Image: Fire crews work into the night clearing fire line by Andrea Booher (National Archives Catalog) 

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