At least 42 in USC community lose homes in fires; number expected to grow

At least 42 USC students, faculty, and staff have lost their homes to Los Angeles’ devastating wildfires, a Morning, Trojan estimate found.

That number is based on GoFundMe listings, social media, and interviews with victims. Still, the sum is likely a dramatic undercount, and does not include people who’ve been temporarily displaced but whose homes remain undamaged.

USC is one of the largest private employers in LA with 22,000 full-time employees and 47,000 students, many of whom are certain to live in the nearly 40,000-acre burn zone. 

Around a quarter in the estimate are students who lost homes where they live during breaks or commute to school from. The rest is split evenly between faculty and staff.

A university spokesperson said it is too soon to know the exact number of displaced community members, citing the rapidly changing situation. The school is not aware of any deaths or critical injuries, she added.

Multiple sources with knowledge of high-level discussions at USC said officials are producing preliminary tallies based on self-reports and HR address data, Morning, Trojan previously reported. Those sources asked to remain anonymous because they were not authorized to speak to the press.

The spring semester will begin in-person as planned Monday, USC officials said, noting that “campuses are safe and not located near the wildfires.” Several professors said they plan to offer virtual classes — or cancel them altogether — during the first week of school, though they made those decisions on an individual basis.

A university email Monday morning asked “severely impacted” faculty and staff to report the disruption at this form.

As of Sunday evening, the Palisades and Eaton fires continued their march across LA, destroying more than 12,000 structures and leaving at least 24 dead, the LA Times reported. The Palisades fire is 13% contained, and the Eaton is 27%, according to the Watch Duty app.

Officials warned that strong winds could fuel further “explosive fire growth” Monday night through Wednesday.

In an email to employees who reported being displaced from their homes, the university offered a discounted rate of $90 plus tax per night at the USC Hotel, with no parking fees or pet limit. The email also directed employees to the Biltmore Hotel downtown, which is offering a discount of $179 plus tax per night and a $45 self-parking fee.

The university is offering a wildfire and air quality hotline — (213) 740-6291 — and an email address to answer questions. Keck Medicine employees have a dedicated hotline at (323) 865-9897, email, and website as well. 

The Lorenzo Apartments near USC are offering furnished units for $150 per night, and Airbnb is offering free temporary housing. Some clothing retailers at the Century City mall are offering discounts for fire victims.

USC’s email to displaced employees also directs them to counseling services at the WorkWell Center. Additional resources for food, loans, and housing can be found on USC’s website.