The LA Wildfire has been on the headlines for a few days now. Indeed, the natural disaster has struck Los Angeles, causing significant damage to public property, which is now estimated to be over 15,800 acres and around 2000 structures. Over 100,000 locals living in the affected areas have also been evacuated, with more residents receiving warnings at the same time as we speak.

Many have also expressed their concerns over this situation on social media, including notable people like the Olympians. Indeed, LA is a place that will be hosting the 2028 Olympic Games, and watching it burn, destroying many years of heritage and history, was just devastating for these athletes.

Concerned for the locals affected by the LA wildfire

The major fire started on January 7, right after a week of the New Year. The Pacific Palisades neighborhood was starting to get affected, but eventually, with time, the concerns grew as the wildfire started to spread over the area in rapid succession. Until now, there have been many evacuations, and even many are already pending, but there has been significant damage to people’s livelihoods, moreover to the memories that they had created in LA.

Many prominent people have raised their concerns, and Olympians like Tara Davis-Woodhall used their social media handles to support the locals in these gnarly times. The Olympian issued a statement on her Instagram story, stating, “Couldn’t sleep, keep thinking about the fires in my home. My heart is so heavy right now. LA I’m praying for you.” The Olympic long jumper and her husband, Hunter Woodhall, are fanatics about buying property in the US. Given that she owns a property in Los Angeles, she is concerned not only about her own home but also about the local residents who have been affected by the wildfire.

Similarly, former Syrian Olympian Yusra Mardini opened up her thoughts on the disaster, stating, “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Southern California and those who had to evacuate. Praying for everyone to stay safe.” She is aware of the wildfire’s spread and has nothing but prayers for the people of Los Angeles, urging the authorities to evacuate them as soon as possible. Furthermore, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone wrote an emotional update on her social media, stating, “Pray for Los Angeles.”

Indeed, LA has been a big part of the Olympic gold medalist’s life. She has had her training sessions from Bob Kersee, who had been an assistant coach for the University of California. And when she tied the knot with NFL husband Andre Levrone Jr., they also purchased a house in LA. While a lot of property has been damaged owing to the wildfire, the most heartbreaking element for people affected by the natural disaster is watching a place burn where they had their memories. A certain former Olympian has also been affected by this, as his son has issued a statement demanding help on social media.

Coming forward for his Olympian father

“My dad lost his home, his business, and everything he owned in the Palisades fire. Support would be appreciated,” Charlie Hall posted on his Instagram story after his father, Gary Hall Jr., was affected by the LA wildfire. On January 7, Gary noticed the flames approaching toward his house in Palisades and immediately took action. Gathering his insulin, a painting of his grandfather, and a religious wooden piece gifted to him by his daughter Gigi, the swimming legend hurried towards the ocean in his vehicle with his pet dog, Puddles.

Indeed, out of concern for their safety, the Olympic legend was forced to make a difficult decision that resulted in the loss of numerous valuable possessions from his house. Among those were his ten Olympic medals, which he had earned before in his stellar career for Team USA. In the process, he also lost his business, Sea Monkeys Swimming, and his family has set up a GoFundMe page for him with a goal of $25,000. Indeed, this natural disaster affected many people, and our thoughts are with them.