Travis Barker hails incarcerated L.A. firefighters: “These guys are heroes”

22 January, 2025

Travis Barker has paid tribute to the incarcerated firefighters that are helping with the Los Angeles wildfires, describing them as “heroes”.

The Blink-182 drummer met a group of individuals who have been working to help extinguish the devastating fires in the city and posted a personal message to them on his Instagram Story afterwards.

“These guys are heroes,” he wrote. “They are risking their lives to serve people. Save people. Help people. And becoming men in the process.”

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation runs a programme in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, training incarcerated volunteers to work as firefighters. Individuals must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the scheme, such as having non-violent offences.

“So much love and respect to @calfire and @scottbudnick1. I love the awareness that the anti-recidivism coalition is bringing to the incarcerated guys working these fires,” Barker added. “A lot of them came from the juvenile system and this program gives them the ability for real change and to make a difference. To see the humanity in all of them was amazing.”

Barker’s own family have been affected by the fires, with his children Landon and Alabama evacuating their Pacific Palisades homes amid the disaster. “Just evacuated from my home due to wildfires in Los Angeles, please be safe!!” Alabama wrote on Instagram. “They are saying the fires are spreading football field amounts in seconds.”

The fires broke out on January 7 and have taken at least 27 lives. Over 200,000 people have fled their homes while more than 12,000 structures have damaged or destroyed.

On January 30, a major benefit concert for the disaster will be held in the city. Dubbed FireAid, it will take place in the Intuit Dome and the KIA Forum and will include performances from Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Rod Stewart, Katy Perry, Joni Mitchell, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sting, Stevie Nicks, Gracie Abrams, Green Day, No Doubt, Olivia Rodrigo, Peso Pluma, Stevie Wonder, The Black Crowes, Anderson .Paak and Alanis Morissette.

Tickets are on sale now – you can get yours via Ticketmaster and make donations here. It has also been confirmed that ticketing fees have been waived for all purchases so the entirety of the sums amassed can be donated to relief efforts in support of the Los Angeles wildfires.

Members of the LA music community have also spoken to NME about being hit hard, with a number of venues, studios and artists being affected by the blaze.

Many musicians have stepped up to help out the affected communities in the aftermath of the fires. Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD foundation have donated $2.5million to help to relief efforts for the Los Angeles wildfires. Paris Hilton also launched a fund for families displaced by the fires, pledging $100,000 and promised to match up to $100,000 in donations. Dave Grohl also spent his birthday making meals for families that had been effected.

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