Early on 7 January, a group of hikers near Los Angeles, California, reported smelling smoke. That smoke became the Palisades Fire, which spread through the coastal neighbourhoods of Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Topanga, destroying almost 7,000 structures and damaging an additional 1,000. That evening, the Eaton Fire sprang up less than 40 miles away, and went on to destroy another 14,000 acres of land.

Six more fires broke out in the region. It wasn’t until some rain fell on 25 January that firefighters managed 50% containment on some of the bigger fires. By the end of the month, all eight fires were contained (meaning firefighters have the perimeter of the fire surrounded), but some still continued to burn in early February.

As a result of the disaster, at least 29 people died and 12,000 were left homeless. Currently, the total economic loss of the combined fires is estimated at a staggering $250bn.

Experts explain that the Santa Ana winds (known as the ‘devil winds’ because they create hot and dry conditions) made containing the flames nearly impossible. With the fires growing at a terrifying rate, combined with a fast-diminishing supply of water from hydrants, firefighters were quickly overwhelmed by their seemingly Sisyphean task.

The future of those affected by the fires is uncertain. The road to recovery will involve the allocation of resources to clean up and rebuild in times where climate change leads to yet more unpredictable weather conditions – and possibly more deadly and more dangerous fires.

What recovery efforts are underway?

Before rebuilding, the clean-up must be taken care of. When residents return home for the first time to see if anything survived the blaze, they find toxic waste and hazardous chemicals. Experts estimate that total debris removal and clean-up will take anywhere from 12 to 18 months, making recovery a long and challenging process.

LA County is supporting its residents by offering a free debris removal programme. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working on phase one of the clean-up, removing hazardous materials, such as batteries, paint and oils, from the burn sites. Any waste and debris extracted from the fires will be taken to state-allocated land to prevent a public safety health threat.

The process is now transitioning into phase two, led by the army corps, who need owner approval before going into properties to remove hazardous materials and other debris. If homeowners don’t opt into the removal programme, they will have to hire a licensed contractor to clear the debris.

What support is available for those displaced by the fire?

Victims can apply to LA County for financial assistance. The small business relief fund applies to businesses and non-profits generating under $6m in revenue with less than 100 employees, which are eligible for $2,000 to $25,000. Workers who have become unemployed or have lost work opportunities can claim $2,000 in cash.

Citizens can also apply for aid from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It is offering $770 for immediate necessities such as food, water and transportation, up to $43,600 for housing repairs, and an additional $43,600 for medical bills and other damages.

FEMA has also made temporary housing available for those who qualify and the California State Supplemental Grant Program will provide an additional $10,000. Together, FEMA and SBA (Small Business Administration) have spent more than $680m in recovery through providing temporary housing, rehabilitation, donations, FEMA grants and SBA loans, in a month.

The American Red Cross has supplied more than 128,000 meals and snacks and handed out 102,000 relief items. They played a crucial role in helping set up temporary housing and emergency shelters, and providing displaced people with basic necessities.

What is the role of insurance companies?

Getting insurance coverage in LA (and California as a whole) is very difficult – it’s either incredibly expensive or simply unavailable.

State Farm, a major US insurance firm, dropped 1,600 policies in Pacific Palisades in July 2024 and an additional 2,000 throughout LA County. With the increasing severity and frequency of natural disasters, 11 major insurance firms have refused to accept additional policies or left California entirely.
This means many people have to turn to the more affordable but less protective government agency, the California FAIR plan. Or have no insurance at all. This scenario is only going to get worse as climate change continues to change the landscape.

What effect will the fires have on property values?

In December 2024, before the fires broke out, the average single-family house in LA already cost $815,000. Houses built on land destroyed by natural disasters tend to be more expensive, and the LA fires are expected to make affordable housing more difficult to come by as demand soars.

Given the already competitive LA housing market, it is no surprise that low-income and middle class families are moving away from the city. Rents in LA County rose 20% after the fires, which is actually illegal – 10% is the limit.

The locals of Altadena, a racially diverse suburb of LA destroyed by the Eaton Fire, are concerned for their futures. While not considered a low-income neighborhood, it is known for the prevalence of Black homeowners. More than half of Altadena’s Black-owned homes were burned down.

The president of the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Brandon Lamar, urges: “Everyone that has been displaced – we want them to have the ability to come in and build back. We don’t want price gouging. We don’t want people to come in and try to buy people’s lands.” Local activists can be seen sporting shirts saying ‘Altadena is not for sale’.

Right now, as the fires have just barely gone out, it is very early to say what the entirety of the implications will be. While the California fire season is over for this year, with the increasing number of natural disasters and their overwhelming devastation, it is important to start thinking about them sooner than later.