To Our Torrance Residents and Business Community,

On behalf of the City of Torrance, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by these devastating wildfires. As these fires continue to ravage parts of Los Angeles County and beyond, our thoughts are with those who have suffered the unimaginable loss of loved ones, homes, and livelihoods.

While Torrance has thankfully been spared from direct impacts, we remain on high alert and fully committed to our preparedness efforts. I want to assure you that my colleagues and I on the City Council are in regular communication with our Torrance Fire and Police Chiefs, along with their leadership teams. Together we are staying informed on evolving conditions, proactively addressing potential risks, and ensuring that the safety and well-being of residents across all districts remains our top priority.

The City, in collaboration with the Torrance Unified School District and Discover Torrance are working together to support families and individuals affected by the Los Angeles County wildfires. TUSD is offering a concierge service to assist displaced families with immediate school enrollment, preparing resource packets to streamline the process. Additionally, local hotels are offering discounted accommodations for those in need. You can get updates on real-time information and learn more about community efforts by following us on Instagram at @CityofTorranceCA.

CITY RESPONSE AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

The City’s Office of Emergency Services remains vigilant, prioritizing emergency response efforts to safeguard our community. Teams from the City Manager’s Office, Fire, Police, Public Works, and many other Departments are prepared to address wind-related incidents such as fallen trees, power outages, and other safety concerns. Currently, there are no boil water notices in effect within the City of Torrance, and no Southern California Edison power outages impacting our neighborhoods. We encourage the community to sign up for TorranceAlerts to stay informed and connected during emergencies. 

We are confident in the water supply capabilities in Torrance based on their regular use and recent evaluations. The Insurance Services Office (ISO) evaluated the City’s water supply in 2024, awarding a source of 29 out of a possible 30. This evaluation carefully assessed the available water compared to the amount needed to suppress fires requiring up to 3,500 gallons per minute.

The City also has approximately 4,000 fire hydrants. Of those evaluated for size, type, and installation, the City achieved a perfect score of 3 out of 3. These components contribute to the Fire Department’s achievement of being an ISO Class 1 Fire Department. The City continues to inspect and maintain hydrants to ensure they remain in operational condition, and we encourage residents to report any damage or leaking hydrants to Torrance Public Works for immediate repairs.

While almost anything can burn when fire is introduced, the Madrona Marsh is less prone to fires due to the increased rainfall in recent years, which has helped prevent it from becoming excessively dry. That said, there have been fires in the Marsh in the past, but they were quickly extinguished. To further reduce risks, the City has prioritized routine brush clearance around the perimeter of the Marsh and continues to collaborate with public safety and environmental experts to monitor conditions. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any concerns.

HEALTH AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

During this time, I encourage all Torrance residents to prioritize health and safety. Please keep the following precautions in mind:

• Stay indoors as much as possible, especially if you have respiratory issues.
• Keep pets indoors to shield them from poor air quality.
• Close windows and use air purifiers if available.
• Avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in areas near the fires.
• Stay vigilant about local fire risks, and immediately report any concerns to authorities.

SUPPORTING EMERGENCY EFFORTS

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by these devastating fires and with the brave first responders working tirelessly to protect lives and property. Many of you have asked how you can help. We’ve compiled a list of organizations where you can donate or volunteer to support those impacted by the fires. Visit TorranceCA.Gov/IncidentResponse to learn more.



I am also incredibly proud of the Torrance community for stepping up during this challenging time. Local organizations and businesses have already begun collecting food, pet supplies, and other essential items to support those in need. This spirit of generosity and neighborly support is what makes Torrance such a special place to live.

Together, we remain strong, resilient, and ready to support one another. Please continue to stay safe and take care of yourselves and your neighbors.

Sincerely,

Mayor George K. Chen