Mayor's Press Release
Mayor Whitmire's Message to California Fire Victims and Firefighters
January 13, 2025 -- Please attribute the following statement to Mayor John Whitmire.
"Houston Firefighters have arrived in California to assist with the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, along with other members of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual System. I am thankful for their bravery, proud of their commitment, and looking forward to their safe return home.
I want to take a moment to express my deepest empathy for those impacted by the devastating fires in LA. Watching a home burn is not just the loss of a building -- it's the loss of memories, security, and so much more. I know this pain personally.
When I was in 6th grade, my family's home burned to the ground. I still vividly remember pulling into the driveway and seeing nothing left but the chimney. It's a feeling that stays with you forever, which is why I know how important firefighters and the community are during these challenging times. To all -- please know you're not alone. Houston stands with you, and we'll continue to do what we can to help."