Is Nationwide Mail Delayed Because of California Wildfires?

Some California communities are experiencing delays in service from the United States Postal Service as multiple wildfires rip through the state's southern region.

Is Mail Delayed Nationwide Because Of Wildfires?

No, mail is not delayed nationwide because of the California wildfires.

The disruptions are primarily localized to areas directly impacted by the fires in California. These include specific regions where evacuation orders, road closures or hazardous conditions are affecting the ability of USPS to deliver mail.

If you're outside of the affected areas, such as in another state, mail services are unlikely to be impacted by the California wildfires. However, always consider other potential factors, like severe weather elsewhere, that might affect nationwide mail delivery.

For the latest updates, check the USPS Service Alerts page.

California residents may experience delays in mail service amid the wildfires. AP Photo

USPS Statement

A USPS spokesperson told Newsweek on Thursday in a statement: "The safety and well-being of both our customers and our employees is of the utmost importance to the U.S. Postal Service. We have been closely monitoring the wildfires and working with local officials to make operational decisions and to keep employees informed."

"As these wildfires are an unfolding dynamic scenario, any Post Office closures will be posted on our USPS Newsroom Service Alerts and USPS Newsroom Local – California," the spokesperson added.

Fire personnel respond to homes destroyed while a helicopter drops water as the Palisades fire grows in Pacific Palisades, California, on January 7. Critics say that prescribed fires could have reduced the magnitude of the... David Swanson/Getty Images

California Mail Delays

The USPS website states the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires are impacting the delivery of mail and packages. Affected regions include Malibu, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Pasadena and San Fernando.

As of Wednesday, the following post offices are temporarily closed:

• Altadena Post Office, 2271 Lake Ave., Los Angeles, 91001
• La Canada Flintridge Post Office, 607 Foothill Blvd., 91011

During these closures, customers' mail will be available at the Pasadena Post Office, 600 Lincoln Ave., 91109. Customers are reminded to bring proper photo identification for mail and package pickups.

Retail services will be closed on January 9. Typically, retail hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Flames from the Palisades fire burn in Los Angeles on January 8. President-elect Donald Trump said FEMA has "no money" as California deals with several large wildfires. Apu Gomes/Getty Images

When Did The California Wildfires Start?

Three wildfires erupted in Southern California on Tuesday. The Palisades fire started at 10:30 a.m., burning thousands of acres near Santa Monica and Malibu. The Eaton fire ignited at 6:30 p.m. in Altadena near Pasadena, quickly growing to more than 10,000 acres. At 10:30 p.m., the Hurst fire began in Sylmar, consuming about 500 acres.

How Much Of The Fire Has Been Contained?

As of 2 p.m. ET, the Palisades and Eaton fires remained 0 percent contained.

At least five people have died in the Eaton fire, which tore through entire neighborhoods in Altadena and Pasadena.

The Hurst fire, burning 855 acres, was 10 percent contained Thursday morning.

Get real-time updates, critical information, and on-the-ground insights as California battles devastating wildfires with Newsweek's live blog.

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