LA fires force League of Legends maker Riot to close offices

Well over 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate as days of unpredictable, heavy winds pushed fire across the city. At least five people have died due to the fires, and more than 2,000 structures — including homes, businesses, and schools — have been damaged or destroyed. Though Riot Games is set up to support remote work, the company is encouraging its employees to put safety and family first.

“For Rioters reading this, please remember, the mission and the work will always be there,” CEO Dylan Jadeja wrote on LinkedIn Thursday. “Right now, what matters most is taking care of yourselves and each other. It takes a village to do what we do and we are all in this moment together. For those in our offices around the world who have been reaching out, your support has been incredible — we’re reminded once again how strong a team Riot truly is.”

Jadeja also wrote that Riot Games will be “ready to stand up for Los Angeles and give back in every way we can to all of these communities” when the immediate danger surpasses. “After all, while our reach is global, the heart of Riot Games has always been in Los Angeles,” he wrote. “Los Angeles raised us and we are proud to call this great city our home.”