Golf icon and Southern California native Tiger Woods is speaking out as wildfires continue to wreak havoc in the Los Angeles region.
Woods was born in Cypress, California, which is about 45 miles from Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood. The Palisades fire is one of the largest and one of the most destructive wildfires to sweep the area.
Woods had been publicly silent on the tragedy until Tuesday. He released a statement saying his heart goes out to those affected by the devastating wildfires.
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Tiger Woods of the United States walks to the fourth tee during the third round of the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club on May 21, 2022 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
“The devastation going on with the LA fires is such a tragedy, and being from California, it hits home,” Woods said in a statement shared to his social media platforms. “My heart goes out to those who have suffered unimaginable loss. Thank you to the incredible heroes who are the first to help contain and save the community of Los Angeles.”
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The 15-time major winner also promised to release more details about his personal contributions to the communities affected by the disasters.
Tiger Woods of the United States plays his shot from the 13th tee during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on May 11, 2018 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
“We plan to provide an update on our own charitable efforts to help these communities in the coming weeks. Stay strong LA!”
Firefighters and first responders continue to work to fully contain the Palisades and Eaton fires, which both started last week.
On Tuesday, the death toll rose to 25. Officials confirmed at least eight people died from the massive Palisades fire, while the Eaton fire claimed 17 lives. It is estimated that 35 people need to be informed.
A general view of the burned residential areas as wildfires continue to wreak havoc, reaching their fifth day and leaving extensive damage in residential areas in Los Angeles, California, USA on January 12, 2025. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Forecasters said strong winds in the region will bring an elevated fire threat throughout Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said “life-threatening and destructive and widespread winds” are in the region, which could fuel the growth of new or existing wildfires in Los Angeles County and Ventura County.
“Extreme fire danger will continue through Wednesday. PDS Red Flag Warnings are for extreme fire weather scenarios,” NWS Los Angeles wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “In other words, this setup is about as bad as it gets. Be aware of your surroundings. Be prepared to evacuate. Avoid anything that could start a fire. #cawx.”
