Los Angeles Self-Storage Operators Await Fallout From Ongoing WildfiresLos Angeles Self-Storage Operators Await Fallout From Ongoing Wildfires

As multiple wildfires ravage parts of Los Angeles, the region’s self-storage operators are expected to play a pivotal role in helping residents and businesses through the recovery process. The blazes began last Tuesday, killing at least 24 people and burning more than 40,000 acres. More than 130,000 people have been evacuated and 450,000 are without power. Collectively, they’re on track to be the most expensive fire in the nation’s history.

It remains too early to fully assess the damage to self-storage facilities in the affected areas, though there are industry assets among the nearly 13,000 structures that have been consumed by flames. Inside Self-Storage (ISS) reached out to numerous operators in the region. Among those who responded, none reported any structural losses, though some staff have been personally impacted.

“We are aware there have been some employees of self-storage that have lost their personal homes, but don’t have any data yet on facilities affected or destroyed and maybe won’t know for another week or two,” said Ross Hutchings, executive director of the California Self Storage Association. “It’s a very sad and evolving situation right now. We’ll have to wait until the fires are under control before we can secure any information.”

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U-Haul International Inc. is offering 30 days of free storage at 92 of its facilities in Southern California for evacuees and affected families. The offer applies to new self-storage and U-Box rentals and is based on availability at participating locations.

“I cannot put into words the devastation that I have witnessed firsthand,” said Chris Piedra, area district vice president for U-Haul, which operates more than 1,800 self-storage facilities in Canada and the United States. “People are hurting and in need of help. U-Haul is part of these communities, and if we can help our neighbors in this process, we are going to do so.”

ISS has provided information about how to prepare a storage facility to withstand a natural disaster and a guide to help operators keep their people and property safe if impacted by one.

CSSA is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to supporting the self-storage industry in California. The group offers educational events, networking opportunities, legislative advocacy and more.

Source: U-Haul, CA Wildfire Assistance: U-Haul Offers 30 Days Free Storage at 92 Centers