Washington, DC - U.S. Representative Derek Tran released a statement today to mark one year since the historic Palisades and Eaton fires ignited in Southern California.

"It's been a year since the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires tore apart families, homes, and entire communities across Los Angeles. Through unimaginable pain and trauma, our neighbors across Southern California have joined hands to rebuild and heal together. Our heroic first responders, relief coordinators, and volunteers have worked tirelessly to rebuild our communities, but the work isn't over yet," said Representative Tran. "Natural disasters don't strike based on who you voted for. They are swift, unrelenting, and indiscriminately destructive. No Southern California family should be denied the federal assistance they need to rebuild their lives because of political games. Federal aid is critical to secure relief for the family that lost their home, the kids that lost their school, and the small business owner who lost their livelihood. It's the key to helping our city recover. Our communities may never be the same, but we will build back stronger."

The Palisades and Eaton fires, which began within hours of each other on January 7, 2025, burned a total of approximately 38,000 acres by January 31, 2025. The fires destroyed over 16,000 homes and businesses and resulted in over 400 deaths.

Representative Tran has been vocalabout the urgent need for timely, nonpartisan disaster assistance. This month, Tran is an original cosponsor on a bicameral resolution commemorating the one-year anniversary of the LA fires. Tran also co-signed a letter to President Trump led by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) reaffirming the need for federal resources for Los Angeles County to aid in recovery for the families, businesses, and communities impacted by the fires.

Tran previously joined Representative Judy Chu (CA-28) in June 2025 in a letter pressing FEMA to explore additional disaster housing programs for fire victims to ensure that displaced survivors do not go unhoused. In March, Tran cosigned a letter to FEMA led by Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) urging an extension of the application deadline for individual disaster assistance to accommodate fire victims who lost their means to submit applications. Tran also joined the California Congressional Delegation in a letter led by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) to Congressional leadership in support of California's request for emergency relief funding in the aftermath of the fires.

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Congressman Derek Tran represents California's 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.