This week has been rough for Los Angeles, with wildfires tearing through several areas and displacing thousands of residents. To assist in the area’s recovery, The Walt Disney Company has now announced that it is pledging $15 million in aid.
Fires Ravage Los Angeles
Currently, Los Angeles is facing its worst wildfire season on record. A series of fires erupted across the county earlier this week, with the Palisades Fire being the most destructive. This particular fire has ravaged more than 21,000 acres, with only 8% contained at the time of writing.
Apocalyptic #PalisadesFire
Apocalyptic #PalisadesFire pic.twitter.com/ORj2qJhfM0
— Andrew Hires (@AndrewHires) January 7, 2025
The fires have claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals and forced the evacuation of over 150,000 people. Exacerbating the situation is a prolonged drought, with downtown Los Angeles receiving just 0.16 inches of rain since October, and the notorious Santa Ana winds, which have made it harder for firefighters to control the flames.
These wildfires have disrupted several popular local attractions. Universal Studios Hollywood, along with its adjacent CityWalk, temporarily shut down for two days before controversially reopening on January 10.
Other attractions, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Los Angeles Zoo, and Six Flags Magic Mountain, have also closed their doors to visitors.
Disney Responds to the Fires
Fortunately, Disneyland Resort, located in Anaheim, has remained largely unaffected, though many of its cast members commute from the impacted Los Angeles area.
In response, Disneyland Resort has reportedly offered discounted emergency accommodations at Disneyland Hotel for those displaced by the fires.
Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed his sympathy for those affected, sharing a video from the fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades area on Instagram. “My heart goes out to everyone who has lost homes and businesses, and to all whose lives have been impacted, including thousands of Disney employees,” Iger said.
In addition to its $15 million donation, Disney has also taken steps to support local and national relief organizations. The company’s donation will benefit the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Disney will also bolster its Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to cast members who have been affected by the fires.
“We’ve been working around the clock to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, many of whom have been impacted by these fires,” Disney said. It added that “beyond critical relief efforts, we will be working closely with the business community to find ways to support important rebuilding efforts in the region.”
Iger reaffirmed the company’s commitment to helping the community during this challenging time, highlighting Disney’s deep ties to the Los Angeles area.
“Walt Disney came to Los Angeles with little more than his limitless imagination, and it was here that he chose to make his home, pursue his dreams, and create extraordinary storytelling that means so much to so many people around the world,” Iger said in a statement. “We are proud to provide assistance to this resilient and vibrant community in this moment of need.”
What are your thoughts on The Walt Disney Company’s efforts?
