Over a month has passed since fires blazed over the Los Angeles regions and neighborhoods of California, and there is a question begging to be answered: What will the impact, aftermath, and rebuilding efforts look like after this tragic disaster? The first reported fire occurred on January 7 in the Pacific Palisades region, a LA neighborhood located east of Malibu. Soon after, two more fires ignited over the Eaton and Hughes regions. Originating as brush fires, the flames quickly began to ignite because of the environmental conditions of dry and strong winds, low humidity, dry vegetation, and a long period of no rainfall. In all, the disaster spread across more than 40,000 acres, causing 200,000 LA citizens to be evacuated and extreme structural damage. According to AccuWeather, which is a weather forecasting company that also measures the cost of weather events, they estimate the total losses to be somewhere between $250 and $275 billion. These fires are believed to be the costliest wildfires in American history.
Thankfully, crowdfunding platforms are providing a critical lifeline for fire victims. For example, GroupMe alone has raised over $250 million to help those affected by the disaster’s destruction. The community, county, and country support has been felt since, relief funding is $20 million more than all natural disasters worldwide in the last year. That being said, the devastating impacts will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
The rebuilding process alone will take years because of the enormous amounts of toxic materials that must be removed and the geography of the Santa Monica Mountains. Deborah Stevens, a professor at Stanford Law and environmental law specialist, said, “In places like the Pacific Palisades, one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods … the terrain will make it challenging for cleanup crews to operate.” To combat this and enact quicker building efforts and turnaround, there has been a suspension of some permits and building requirements. Yet, plans and projects still must comply with the local zoning, and building codes.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has moved efficiently to aid the families affected by the fires and support emergency services. He is in his seventh year of office and is familiar with the distress and challenges that come with wildfires in the state. Some of Governor Newsom’s strategic actions include fast-tracking temporary housing and protecting tenants and homeowners, directing immediate state relief by proposing that California provide at least $2.5 billion in additional funding, and deploying over 16,000 personnel like firefighters and National Guard. The swift response from California and Governor Newsom is crucial for the recovery and rebuilding efforts in LA. As these developments continue, LA citizens and residents will expect an increase in debris removal personnel in their communities.
Junior Zach Long is the News Editor. His email is zlong@fandm.edu.