7TH DISTRICT REPORT | DAVE GILLOTTE

WITH OVER SIX FIRES BURNING SIMULTANEOUSLY during Fire Storm 2025, our LA County Fire Department - Fire Department Fire Family stepped up like never before. For the first time in our Department’s history, every member who was not injured and off was recalled to duty. There are many heroic stories from individuals and crews of unseen victories, rescuing lives, and saving property. I am incredibly proud of our membership. Without the valiant effort of the men and women of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the destruction and loss of life would have been much worse.

Over a dozen IAFF members have lost homes, lifeguards, and sheriff’s deputies, and some of our non sworn fire department families and retirees have also lost homes as they stayed on the front lines to help others. Part of our own LACoFD Camp 8 in Malibu was significantly damaged in the Palisades Fire. Our members were there to save parts of the dorm and kitchen and shelter in place as the firestorm blew over them, remaining to fight to protect the surrounding communities.

Immediately following the fires, we began engaging heavily in testing and documenting our members’ exposure to an unprecedented level of toxins. Local 1014 Director Derek Urwin supervised blood draws and monitoring. We will be marking this moment in time correlated with the exposure. The studies we are doing through Director Urwin at UCLA will help ensure any health issues from these fires are addressed early and covered.

As we enter the recovery phase, we are thankful for the communities that have supported our members with donations and touching displays of gratitude. There is a long road ahead in the recovery, repopulation, and rebuilding phases, but through every step, our LACoFD members will be there to support their communities.