Verizon responds to Southern California wildfires – 12.06.2017 update

As extremely dry and windy conditions continue to fuel the wildfires burning in Southern California, our heartfelt thoughts go out to everyone impacted by this disaster. 

Verizon is working around the clock to keep residents and first responders connected. Here’s the latest:

Our wireless network performance is running at 97% within the Thomas and Creek Fire coverage areas. In other parts of Southern California, our network has not been impacted by the fires.

This situation is dynamic, so we’re working 24x7 to monitor, reinforce and maintain our network.

• We’ve added capacity to cell sites covering the CAL FIRE incident command center and evacuation shelters in Ventura County.
• We’re working to install microwave transport (connectivity) where fiber has been lost or damaged.
• In areas experiencing commercial power outages, several of our cell sites are running on backup power.
• Mobile equipment – such as cells on wheels (COWs), cells on light trucks (COLTs), satellite picocells on trailers (SPOTs) and repeaters on trailers (RATs) – are on standby to increase capacity when and where it becomes necessary.

To serve the community, the Verizon Response Team is in the field, partnering with first responders and relief organizations. Our Disaster Recovery Trailer is located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, offering displaced residents free cell phone charging and internet-connected laptops so they can keep in touch with loved ones, employers and friends while they are away from home.

Our Southern California retail stores are open and staffed to assist customers with their needs during this difficult time. Find the nearest location.