The wildfires in Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood have forced over 100,000 residents to evacuate.
Flames have destroyed homes and blocked major roads, while firefighters struggle with strong winds and uncontained blazes.
Musk Companies Step In to Assist
In response to the crisis, Musk, Tesla and SpaceX, have stepped in to help.
SpaceX is providing free Starlink terminals in fire-affected areas to ensure residents and emergency responders have reliable internet access.
“SpaceX will provide free Starlink terminals to affected areas in LA tomorrow morning,”
Musk noted on X last Thursday.
Moreover, a Fox 11 reporter stated in a previous news stream:
“The only reason you’re able to see us right now is because of Starlink. There’s absolutely no cell service at all in this whole area.”
NEWS: TV crews are using SpaceX's @Starlink to broadcast their live fire coverage in LA.
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) January 9, 2025
"The only reason you're able to see us right now is because of Starlink. There's absolutely no cell service at all in this whole area." pic.twitter.com/7EXT0IQ5HG
According to SpaceX, this aims to improve communication and coordination during rescue efforts.
Tesla Deploys Mobile Superchargers
Tesla is also assisting by setting up mobile Superchargers powered by Megapack batteries.
At Thousand Oaks on West Hillcrest Drive, 16 charging stalls are available, each delivering up to 250kW.
These chargers are open to all Electric vehicles.
Free Wi-Fi, provided through Starlink, is also available to help residents and emergency teams stay connected.
Monitoring and Future Deployment
Tesla’s official charging account stated on X that they are monitoring conditions to determine where else they can safely deploy their mobile Superchargers.
Past Disaster Relief Efforts
In October last year, Tesla worked to deploy mobile chargers to support areas affected by Hurricane Milton.