Golf icon and Southern California native Tiger Woods speaks out as wildfires continue to wreak havoc in the Los Angeles area.
Woods was born in Cypress, California, located about 45 miles from the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. The Palisades Fire is one of the largest and most destructive wildfires to ravage the region.
Woods had remained publicly silent about the tragedy until Tuesday. He released a statement saying his heart was with those affected by the devastating wildfires.
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American Tiger Woods 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 caused by the Los Angeles fires is such a tragedy and, being from California, it hits home,” Woods said in a statement shared on his social media platforms. “My heart goes out to those who have suffered unimaginable losses. Thank you to the incredible heroes who are the first responders helping to contain and save the Los Angeles community.”
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The 15-time major winner also pledged to disclose more details about his personal contributions to disaster-affected communities.
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 Los Angeles!”
Firefighters and first responders continue to work to fully contain the Palisades and Eaton fires, both of which broke out last week.
On Tuesday, the death toll rose to 25. Authorities confirmed that at least eight people died from the massive Palisades fire, while the Eaton fire claimed 17 lives . An estimated 35 people are still missing.
General view of burned residential areas as wildfires continue to wreak havoc, reaching their fifth day and causing extensive damage to residential areas in Los Angeles, California, United States, January 12, 2025. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Forecasters said strong winds in the area would bring an increased fire threat throughout Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said “potentially deadly, destructive and widespread winds” were blowing through the region, which could fuel the growth of new or existing wildfires in the Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
“Extreme fire danger will persist 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 as bad as it gets. Stay aware of your surroundings. Be prepared to evacuate. Avoid anything that can start a fire.#cawx.”
