FACT CHECK: Did The Los Angeles Fire Department Request Help From ‘Anyone With Firefighting Experience’?

A post shared on X claims the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is “begging” anyone with firefighting experience to assist them in extinguishing the fires in Los Angeles County. 

🚨 COUNTLESS homes in Southern California have been completely burned down now, per @MattSeedorff

LAFD are BEGGING anyone with firefighting experience to call 213-576-8963 to assist them, as they’re running out of resources

Practically unheard of. pic.twitter.com/uxcO9bkUJU

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 8, 2025

Verdict: False

The LAFD post requested help from LAFD members only.

Fact Check: 

Wildfires in Southern California have now covered over 22,000 acres combined, and a call for evacuation has been put in place, according to NPR. At least two people have been killed as thousands more are forced to evacuate, according to the outlet.

An X post claims LAFD has requested assistance from anyone with firefighting experience. The post shows video of a large fires burning on homes, emergency vehicles can be seen on the road nearby.

“COUNTLESS homes in Southern California have been completely burned down now, per @MattSeedorff,” the caption reads.

“LAFD are BEGGING anyone with firefighting experience to call 213-576-8963 to assist them, as they’re running out of resources Practically unheard of.”

This post misconstrues a statement from the LAFD, however. The LAFD put out an X post debunking the claim on Jan. 7. “The LAFD is NOT requesting assistance from the public. The message was misconstrued,” it reads. “We are running  a recall for our OWN LAFD members ONLY.  Thank you.”

The LAFD is NOT requesting assistance from the public. The message was misconstrued. We are running a recall for our OWN LAFD members ONLY. Thank you.

— #LAFD Talk 💬 (@LAFDtalk) January 8, 2025

The original post’s language is directed only towards off-duty LAFD members. “All #LAFD members currently off-duty are to call the DOC 213-576-8962 with their availability for recall. #palisadesfire,” it reads. 

Check Your Fact reached out to an LAFD spokesperson for comment.