Director's Corner

Caltrans does what it can to help after L.A. fires

The past two months have tested our collective resolve in ways we never thought possible. We painfully watched as wildfires roared with tragic consequences through parts of Southern California where some of our colleagues, friends and families make their homes. Scenes of the devastating aftermath are those we will not soon forget.

Despite the confusion, heartache and gut-wrenching emotions associated with a disaster of this magnitude, our 23,000 strong mobilized in real time to lend a helping hand.

As soon as the first major fire started in the Palisades, Caltrans crews were able to quickly respond, mobilize, and coordinate with law enforcement and fire response teams. And as the situation escalated, the swift response to the Palisades fire set the tone for Caltrans' broader emergency operations across the region.

Building on this initial effort, our teams scaled up their efforts to meet the increasing emergency response needs. In all – over the past weeks – Caltrans has activated more than 1,400 personnel and assistance among Districts 7, 6, 8, 5, 11, 12. For a roughly two-week period, we had more than 400 boots on the ground on any given day.

We are collaborating closely with Los Angeles County and city officials to identify and address areas of acute need, ensuring we prioritize the safety and accessibility of our transportation network.

As I grieved for our co-workers forced to navigate a life-changing crisis, I was also overcome with pride in our department.

I want to express my profound gratitude for your unflinching professionalism and selfless dedication to public service during this historically challenging crisis. Your care and concern for those affected underscore the department’s People First values that make Caltrans a special organization.

Many Caltrans employees in District 7 and beyond have continued to serve their communities despite being personally affected by the magnitude of this unprecedented event.

Their strength and fortitude are admirable, and your capacity to be present in their time of need offers hope and a sturdy shoulder to lean on as they continue the recovery process.

In this spirit, Caltrans immediately mobilized emergency repairs and cleanup efforts that continue today. Thousands of workers have supported or been deployed to conduct complicated debris removal operations, fix destroyed infrastructure, prepare for the effects of winter weather and to serve in supportive roles for other state agencies.

I also want to thank everyone from Caltrans who has pitched in to assist our impacted colleagues. Your generosity and compassion exemplify why we consider Caltrans a family.

For those affected, we created a dedicated page to share resources and information useful during the recovery process. (Only Caltrans employees can access this page.) :

And for anyone who wishes to contribute to help colleagues who lost their homes, the California Transportation Fund (CTF) has established a Fire Relief Assistance Fund for Caltrans employees who have lost their homes in the Los Angeles and Ventura County wildfires. Donations to this account are tax deductible and will not be matched by CTF. Here’s the link.

To our affected colleagues: You are not alone. Caltrans will he here every step of the way as you negotiate the long recovery process.