Helping our neighbors

Irwindale Aggregates team aids community affected by California wildfires

Several highly destructive wildfires overtook Los Angeles County and the neighboring areas of Southern California earlier this year.

One of the fires, which began on the evening of Jan. 7, spread from Eaton Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains, and was driven by powerful Santa Ana winds into foothill communities, particularly the unincorporated area of Altadena.

The fire destroyed more than 9,000 buildings and became the second most destructive wildfire in California history behind the 2018 Camp Fire in Northern California’s Butte County.

In the fire’s path was Martin Marietta’s Irwindale Aggregates operation.

Firefighters and first responders worked tirelessly to put out the flames, which eventually subsided about three miles from the site’s gates.

Thankfully, Martin Marietta crew members and their families either resided far enough from the fire or were able to safely shelter elsewhere without significant material losses. In the wake of the tragedy, the team has lent its time, talent and resources to the local rehabilitation effort.

“All of us could see the fire clearly from our quarry and the smoke that covered the area. We felt it was important to help in any way possible. So many people lost everything,” said Plant Manager Ted Koerner.

One of the main initiatives was an all-day event organized by the Altadena Rotary Club that involved several members of Irwindale Aggregates, their spouses and friends. Stationed at a local supermarket, the army of volunteers worked to assist families in need.

All those affected by the blaze at the event received clothes, toiletries, first aid items, towels, blankets, shoes, food, fresh produce and water. The American Red Cross was also available to provide health and wellness checks for those in need.

Assistant Plant Manager Michael Vasquez, one of several Irwindale staffers who volunteered, said the team’s work to sort donations, hand out supplies and maintain the crowd of several hundred people was instrumental.

“There was something so powerful about being able to help our neighbors. This truly hit close to home; we have friends who have lost so much,” Vasquez said. “It is gratifying to help neighbors, and we knew we wanted to help the best we could. It was a humbling event to be a part of.”

Along with volunteering, Martin Marietta donated $20,000 to the relief efforts, a sum that was matched by the Shelter Box Organization, a disaster relief charity that provides emergency housing and other aid to families around the world who have lost their homes to natural disasters.

Regional Vice President-General Manager Ed Gehr, who retired soon after the wildfires, said he was proud of the company’s team and their willingness to help.

“The recent wildfires caused such overall devastation with many people losing their homes and personal belongings. We felt it was essential for our company to help in the recovery efforts,” he said. “Our donation and our volunteer efforts reflect Martin Marietta’s core values and the goodness of our employees.”