Fire in LA: Elon Musk hands out free Starlinks to victims

The wildfires engulfing the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles have prompted mass evacuations, forcing tens of thousands of people to leave their homes. Strong winds fan the flames, which spread with incredible speed, destroying homes and blocking roads. Firefighters are doing their best, but their resources are running out. The fires continue to rage uncontrollably.

In response to the disaster, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced that his company would provide free Starlink terminals to the affected areas. The initiative aims to provide affected residents and rescuers with a stable internet connection to facilitate crisis coordination. Musk wrote on social media, “SpaceX will provide free Starlink terminals to affected areas in LA.”

The fires in Los Angeles. Photo: Capacity Media

The use of Starlink has already demonstrated its effectiveness. For example, the terminals help to quickly organize communication in the regions of Ukraine affected by Russian aggression.

Journalists who are covering the events in real time and rescue workers are already able to work in Los Angeles thanks to satellite internet, as regular cell phone service is not available in these areas due to damage of cell towers. One reporter noted, “The only reason you see us now is because of Starlink. There is no cell phone service in the whole area.”

Fires in Los Angeles – view from the International Space Station. Photo: NASA/Don Pettit

What is Starlink?

Starlink is a global satellite system in low Earth orbit that provides fast and reliable internet even in remote regions. It allows users to make video calls, play online games and stream services without the need for traditional infrastructure.

Forest fires in Los Angeles

On January 9, a fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills, and it grew very quickly. Firefighters tried to control the massive fire, but their efforts in the face of the elements were futile, more than 100,000 people in the region were evacuated. The disaster devastated much of the city, from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena. According to the latest information, about 1,500 homes have burned, and hurricane winds continue to spread the flames.

This disaster is a reminder of the importance of innovative technologies, such as Starlink, that can play a key role in connecting and supporting survivors during emergencies.

Earlier we reported on how Ukraine received 15,000 Starlink terminals from Elon Musk.

According to Fox News

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