Spectrum Opens More Than 35,000 Free WiFi Access Points Amid SoCal Fires

As wildfires rage across Southern California, Spectrum is opening more than 35,000 WiFi access points to those affected, at no cost.

A rep for the internet provider tells Deadline the access points are typically available in public parks, marinas, city streets and other public areas, helping ensure connectivity amid the ongoing disaster.

Fires have broken out in Malibu, the Pacific Palisades, Eaton Canyon, the Hollywood Hills and other areas around Los Angeles County amid a “life-threatening and destructive” windstorm that picked up Tuesday.

As of Wednesday afternoon, at leaset five people have died in the fires, while more than 100,000 have been ordered to evacuate, and more than 1.5 million people have been left without power.

President Joe Biden, who extended his Los Angeles trip on Wednesday to visit first responders and those affected, declared the fire a major disaster.

“Over 100,000 people have been ordered to evacuate communities impacted by the Southern California wildfires,” wrote Biden on X. “At least two people have been killed. And many more are injured — including firefighters. It’s devastating. To the residents of Southern California: We are with you.”