Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in Los Angeles remain open and services are operational as wildfires continue to burn in southern California.
“Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the tragic fires. The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) leadership team continues to receive updates from local emergency response personnel and have made operational adjustments for the safety of our staff and the veterans in their care,” VA spokesman Terrence Hayes said in a statement to Connecting Vets. “Our posture continues to evolve as the fires persist. VAGLAHS will continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to implement additional safety measures, as necessary.”
The wildfires, fueled by high Santa Ana winds, broke out on Jan. 7. The blazes have scorched thousands of acres in Southern California, turning homes and businesses into ash and leaving at least 24 dead.
The VA’s main hospital, emergency department, and allof its Community-Based Outpatient Clinics in the Los Angeles area are open. Hayes noted that the San Gabriel Valley VA Clinic, which had previously been in an evacuation zone, re-opened Tuesay.