The ongoing wildfires in Southern California are affecting Postal Service operations there.
Three districts have been affected by the fires. Six Post Offices were closed at first; by Jan. 27, that was down to four.
Ismael Reynoso toured the damage in Pacific Palisades with a group of postmasters and managers on Jan. 10. The acting editor of the WestPac Bulletin was surprised to see how fickle the fire was — an untouched building might stand next to one that burned to the ground.
Reynoso said he was happy to see that, except for a layer of ash and soot, the Post Office there was among the lucky ones. But “next door — nothing,” he said.
Forty miles away, Phuc “Tony” Le, a letter carrier who publishes an employee newsletter, took photographs at what remains of the Altadena Post Office.
That facility had burned to the ground.
Both Pacific Palisades and Altadena are directing customers to nearby Post Offices.
According to USPS, all employees have been accounted for, although 16 lost their homes and 49 had to be evacuated.
The organization has provided all affected employees with information about the Postal Employees’ Relief Fund and the USPS Employee Assistance Program.
The USPS service alerts page on usps.com has more information about affected Post Offices.
