Skip to main content

Should you travel to Los Angeles right now? What to know about the wildfires

Be cautious if you are traveling to the city.

By Amanda Teague Published January 9, 2025

Wildfire — fish96 / Pixabay

As of Thursday, January 9, wildfires continue to wreak havoc across Los Angeles County, claiming five lives, destroying over 2,000 structures, and forcing at least 130,000 residents to evacuate. With smoke-filled skies and emergency crews battling flames around the clock, many travelers are questioning whether it’s safe, or wise, to visit the region right now.

Here’s what you need to know about travel conditions, safety precautions, and potential disruptions if you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles amid the ongoing wildfires.

Recommended Videos

Is it safe to travel to Los Angeles?

Helicopter wildfire — TootSweetCarole / Pixabay

Safety depends on where in Los Angeles you plan to visit. Emergency crews are currently battling at least five active fires that have consumed over 28,000 acres. While the fires initially affected northwest Los Angeles, they have since expanded due to dry conditions and hurricane-speed winds, threatening neighborhoods in the Hollywood Hills. Travelers can stay informed with the Los Angeles Times’ live fire map, which provides real-time updates on affected areas and evacuation zones.

Air travel remains largely unaffected. According to LAX’s official website: “LAX is open and operating normally. Passengers should check their flight status directly with their airline.”

For those driving, it’s crucial to monitor road closures and traffic conditions, which can change rapidly. Updates are available through the California Department of Transportation’s X feed for the latest information.

Bottom line: Proceed with extreme caution

Wildfire — photo-graphe / Pixabay

If you decide to travel to Los Angeles, it’s vital to stay informed and exercise extreme caution. Keep up with the latest fire updates, evacuation orders, and air quality advisories to ensure your safety.

Remember, many residents are currently displaced, and emergency services are stretched thin. Travelers should be mindful of the strain on local resources and prioritize safety above all else.

Contributor

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word…

Topics

Destinations

Travel

The Obelisks of Rome: A pointed walking tour

Take a walk into history with these fascinating Roman landmarks

City, Architecture, Building

When you walk around Rome, no matter which way you turn, you are likely to see the sky pierced by an obelisk. It is a defining part of the Roman skyline. But they don’t really belong here. Rome is a city that has never been shy about borrowing greatness. Few monuments illustrate that better than its obelisks. While these towering stone needles feel quintessentially Roman today, they began life in ancient Egypt, most carved along the Nile. While there, they were associated with the sun god and served as symbols of divine favor and royal power. Today, Rome boasts thirteen ancient obelisks, more than anywhere else in the world, including Egypt itself.

Their journey to Rome began after Augustus conquered Egypt following the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra in 30 BCE. Bringing obelisks to the capital was more than an exercise in decorating the city; it was a statement of conquest. Egypt's sacred monuments had become Roman trophies, proclaiming that a new empire now enjoyed the favor of the gods. Later emperors continued importing obelisks, scattering them across circuses, temples, and public spaces.

Travel

Oregon’s Tualatin Valley is a wine festival hub with idyllic views just outside Portland

This city escape is perfect for lively gatherings and self-guided tasting trails

Plant, Tree, Fir, Mt Hood Forest Grove

The Pacific Northwest's wine scene gained international acclaim with hotspots like the Walla Walla Valley and Columbia Gorge, praised for their well-crafted bottles. But fewer have heard of the Tualatin Valley, a destination brimming with over 40 estate wineries. Nestled along the northwestern edge of the Willamette Valley, it offers the quickest access to wine country from downtown Portland.

Tualatin Valley’s wine-laden hills and tasting rooms start a mere 20 to 30 minute drive from the city, yet they feel hours away. In record time, you’ll find yourself luxuriating on a breezy hillside with a glass of Pinot Noir in hand. You can stretch your legs, admire Mt. Hood’s majestic peak, and chat with other lucky escape artists who also discovered this special place.

Travel

The new luxury in Europe is access—And travelers are booking a year ahead

How luxury summer travelers are changing their plans this year

Ermoupoli, Greece

We're well into another busy summer for European travel. But this summer, travelers have discovered the hardest part of planning a trip isn't so much choosing where to go -- it’s securing access to sought-after accommodations and experiences once in destination. According to a recent summer travel trends report by Classic Vacations, the leading luxury travel advisor resource, Europe continues to lead summer bookings with strong demand across Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and Portugal.

Within these destinations, premium room categories and suites are increasingly booking 9–12 months in advance. Sought-after experiences such as hard-to-secure restaurant reservations, private transfers and guides, yacht charters, beach clubs, and iconic attractions are also filling months ahead of travel dates, creating a new reality where advance planning and local expertise are becoming increasingly essential.