LOS ANGELES — In the aftermath of one of the most devastating natural disasters in Southern California’s history, countless families, business owners, and local leaders in Los Angeles County are now engaged in the daunting task of rebuilding what they have lost and envisioning a way forward.
Alex Rosewood, along with nearly her entire family from Altadena, situated northeast of Los Angeles, faced the loss of their homes. Rosewood was living with her father who lost his home, while her aunt, uncle, and cousin also saw their residence consumed by flames.
Among the items lost were cherished mementos that represented years of family ties, such as Rosewood’s grandmother’s playing cards and an unfinished quilt, her wedding photographs, and heirlooms from her grandfather, a Navy veteran. All of these items were lost in the chaos of their desperate escape as the smoke enveloped the sky and her cousin’s house became engulfed in flames.
Despite the losses, Altadena remains dear to them. “We all plan to rebuild, for sure,” she affirmed.
The region, still reeling from trauma, managed to survive Wednesday without the outbreak of any significant new fires, despite forecasts predicting another wave of dangerously strong winds. However, even while two significant fires continued to threaten the area, resulting in 25 fatalities and the destruction of over 12,000 structures, government officials discussed the monumental challenge ahead: the removal of toxic ash and debris from devastated neighborhoods like Altadena and Pacific Palisades, and the subsequent rebuilding of homes, businesses, educational institutions, and places of worship, all while securing the necessary funding to support such efforts.
Due to ongoing firefighting operations and the potential presence of hazardous materials in burned areas, many residents remain apprehensive and have yet to return to assess the damage to their homes. The destruction varies significantly, ranging from luxury oceanfront properties to humble houses that once welcomed returning WWII veterans.
While the prospect of rebuilding may provide comfort to those eager to reclaim normalcy, many uncertainties still loom. How will the new communities be designed? Will fire-resistant materials and construction methods be adopted? Is there a need for wider roads to facilitate quicker evacuations and improve access for firefighting services during future wildfires?
In the popular coastal hills, there exists an instinct to rebuild after such disasters, a pattern that has repeated itself over the years. Yet it raises vital questions regarding the wisdom of reconstructing in areas that are known to be prone to such risks, especially in an era marked by climate change.
“It’s going to be a while before we can get in there and build anything,” remarked Michael Hricak, an architecture professor at the University of Southern California, highlighting the hazards posed by remnants of chemicals and rubble.
Regarding future development, he stated, “It’s not about defying nature but rather acknowledging its power and understanding the challenges we face.” He further questioned, “Are we merely inviting future problems?”
These fires have occurred during a critical period, as Los Angeles was navigating a transition in the wake of the pandemic, which has significantly altered work environments and left many downtown spaces unoccupied. Simultaneously, preparations are underway for the 2028 Olympics, while the city grapples with what is arguably the nation’s most severe homelessness crisis—an issue that was at the forefront of Mayor Karen Bass’s agenda before the fires erupted.
While damage estimates from the government are still pending, private analysts predict the costs could reach into the tens of billions, potentially making this the most expensive fire disaster in American history.
The community of Paradise in Northern California, which suffered the loss of 85 lives in the 2018 wildfire, serves as a cautionary example of the arduous nature of the rebuilding process. That wildfire destroyed approximately 11,000 homes, equating to about 90% of the town’s infrastructure. Now, four years later, only around 3,000 homes and apartments have been rebuilt.
The town, which once housed a population of 26,000, continues to face challenges such as soaring construction costs, high insurance rates, and uncertainty regarding financial compensation for homeowners affected by the fire caused by Pacific Gas & Electric.
In Los Angeles, known for its complex bureaucracy, Mayor Bass has implemented an executive order to expedite the rebuilding efforts for residents.
“As we work to navigate through this emergency, we also need to implement necessary measures to facilitate reconstruction,” Bass stated on Wednesday.
The federal government has already allocated $100 million for the disposal of hazardous materials and household waste before debris removal can commence. Robert Fenton Jr., a regional head for FEMA, described this as a critical preliminary step towards helping families regain their homes.
The agency is also offering support for individuals in need of short-term accommodation.
Peter Dolan, a former Santa Monica resident, shared that he and his best friend lost their apartments simultaneously. They both visited a disaster recovery center as they sought guidance on their next steps.
Pointing to his outfit—leather jacket, shorts, and sneakers, which he wore when the flames struck—Dolan explained his situation. Although he lacked renter’s insurance, he managed to apply for FEMA aid, anticipating a payout of $750 and assistance with hotel costs for a few months.
Michele Baron and her daughter were also at a recovery center in West Los Angeles trying to obtain new birth certificates and social security cards after losing nearly everything in a fire that leveled her Pacific Palisades apartment of 21 years. Her daughter was able to retrieve a ring and some pottery made in childhood from the charred property.
Despite the trauma they’ve experienced, Baron expressed a desire to remain in the area. “Now that I have the option to go anywhere, I find I really don’t want to,” she stated.
