Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, is stepping up to help Californians affected by devastating wildfires. Musk is donating Starlink devices to provide Wi-Fi to areas where residents are without internet or cellphone service.
Over the weekend, nonprofit rescue group Grey Bull Rescue collaborated with Musk and first responders. Together, they set up Starlink devices in the Los Angeles area, connecting to satellites to restore communication.
"Effective communication is essential in any crisis, war, or disaster," said Bryan Stern, Grey Bull Rescue Chair, in a statement to Fox News Digital. "We were honored to assist the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD) with Starlink minis in wildfire-devastated areas."
Stern explained that emergency agencies like LACFD had long requested Starlink for situations like this. However, bureaucratic delays had prevented access to this vital technology during disasters.
On Jan. 9, Musk announced the Starlink donations. He also revealed plans to send Cybertrucks to affected areas, saying they’ll serve as mobile power stations for the devices.
"Apologies to those waiting for Cybertruck deliveries," Musk posted on X. "We’re using them as mobile base stations for Starlink in L.A. A replacement truck will arrive by the end of the week."
Grey Bull Rescue called the need for internet in wildfire zones a "mission-critical gap." Within six hours, they delivered Starlink units, solving the issue and enabling better communication.
Musk personally visited the staging site to deliver hundreds more Starlink minis. "His commitment to rescue efforts is clear," Stern said. "Starlink is the gold standard for communication in challenging environments."
Musk’s generosity isn’t new. He donated Starlinks to North Carolina after Hurricane Helene in September, helping thousands reconnect with loved ones and emergency services.
Grey Bull Rescue has been active since the fires began, supporting first responders with evacuations and humanitarian aid. "In moments like these, every minute counts," Stern emphasized. "We’re committed to helping in any way we can."
The wildfires have left entire neighborhoods in ashes and claimed at least 24 lives. As of Monday, three major fires—Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst—were still burning in Los Angeles County.