LOS ANGELES — Over a week has passed since two enormous wildfires compelled tens of thousands to evacuate their homes in the Los Angeles area, and authorities indicated on Thursday that residents should not expect to return anytime soon. While the search for human remains continues in the destroyed neighborhoods, there are emerging threats posed by scorched slopes that could lead to landslides and hazardous debris contaminated with toxins such as asbestos.
Currently, over 80,000 individuals remain under evacuation orders, grappling with uncertainty regarding the status of their houses and belongings. Many have flocked to checkpoints, appealing to police and military personnel for access to their neighborhoods, eager to assess the damage.
Local officials empathized with the residents’ frustrations but urged patience as hazardous materials teams and cadaver dogs comb through the affected areas meticulously. They suggested it may take more than a week before residents are granted the all-clear to return. “The properties have been damaged beyond belief,” stated Mark Pestrella, the Director of Public Works for Los Angeles County, during a press briefing. “They are full of sediment, debris, silt, and hazardous materials.”
The instability of the hillsides near some damaged residences has contributed to concerns about further landslides, with a minor one already impacting streets in Pacific Palisades this week. As firefighters diligently combat the flames of the two largest blazes — which have taken 25 lives and destroyed over 12,000 structures — families grieving their losses and business owners left in ruins now face the monumental challenge of rebuilding.
The magnitude of this rebuilding effort is immense, with the fire-affected area being three times larger than Manhattan, marking one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in Southern California’s history. In light of the associated health hazards, Los Angeles County has prohibited any cleanup or debris removal until a thorough hazardous materials inspection has been completed by relevant government officials.
Additionally, the city is preparing to ensure that the storm drainage system remains clear to prevent blockages when rains are expected to return in the coming weeks, as such weather conditions could heighten the risk of mudslides. The wildfires occurred during a pivotal moment as the city was navigating a post-pandemic period that has transformed work patterns, resulting in numerous vacant buildings downtown.
Moreover, planning is also underway for the upcoming 2028 Olympics, all while the region grapples with one of the worst homelessness crises in the nation, which had previously been a priority for Mayor Karen Bass prior to the outbreak of the fires. Although official damage estimates remain forthcoming, private analysts project that losses could total in the tens of billions of dollars, potentially rendering this incident the most expensive fire disaster in American history.
Among those affected is Alex Rosewood, who, along with her family in Altadena, lost their homes — including her father’s, her aunt’s, uncle’s, and cousin’s residences. A lifetime’s worth of cherished possessions, from her grandmother’s playing cards to treasured wedding photos and heirlooms from her naval grandfather, were lost to the flames as they witnessed their cousin’s house engulfed in fire.
Despite these losses, Rosewood is determined to rebuild. “We all plan to rebuild, for sure,” she affirmed. Questions arising from these events will inevitably center on the practicality of rebuilding in areas known to be susceptible to such disasters, especially with the ongoing realities of climate change.
Considerations will include the design and materials utilized for new neighborhoods, the potential need for wider and more accessible roads for quicker evacuations, and easier fire engine access during future fires. “It’s going to take some time before we can start constructing anything,” noted Michael Hricak, an architecture professor at the University of Southern California, while referencing the hazardous chemicals and debris left in the wake of the fires.
Hricak emphasized that successful rebuilding respects the natural environment and acknowledges the challenges posed by it. He raised concerns about whether they would effectively be inviting future problems.
The community of Paradise in Northern California, devastated by the 2018 wildfire that resulted in 85 fatalities, serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities surrounding recovery. That tragedy claimed approximately 11,000 homes — almost 90% of the community’s buildings. To date, around 3,200 homes and apartments have been rebuilt, but the town, which had a population of 26,000 before the fires, faces hurdles such as high construction costs and insurance premiums, alongside uncertainties related to compensation for victims from Pacific Gas & Electric, the utility company linked to the fire’s ignition.
In Los Angeles, Mayor Bass recently issued an executive order aimed at expediting rebuilding efforts. The federal government has allocated $100 million to assist in the removal of hazardous materials, including paint, cleaners, and asbestos, from the debris before cleanup crews can proceed. Robert Fenton Jr., a regional administrator for FEMA, described this initiative as a crucial first step toward helping residents return home.
In the meantime, FEMA is providing assistance to individuals seeking temporary housing. Michele Baron, along with her daughter, visited a recovery center in West Los Angeles to acquire new birth certificates and Social Security cards. Baron lost nearly everything when her apartment of 21 years in Pacific Palisades was destroyed. Her daughter bravely returned to the site and managed to salvage a cherished ring and pottery she made as a child.
Despite the overwhelming challenges and trauma, Baron expressed her intention to remain. “Now that I have the option to go anywhere, I kind of don’t want to,” she stated.
