LOS ANGELES — It’s been one year since the L.A. area saw its most destructive wildfires, yet the landscape remains largely unchanged, with only a few new home builds emerging from the ashes. Following the Palisades and Eaton fires, which resulted in 31 fatalities and the destruction of around 13,000 structures, just a handful of homes have been reconstructed in Los Angeles County.
While some, like Ted Koerner, managed to expedite their rebuilding process after liquidating retirement savings and moving quickly, many are still waiting on insurance payouts that may not fully cover the reconstruction costs. As a result, the streets of Pacific Palisades and Altadena are a stark reminder of the disaster, dotted with dirt lots and abandoned structures.
The aftermath has left entire communities struggling, with many homeowners unsure if they can afford to rebuild. Over 600 properties have been sold, indicating a mass departure from affected areas. Insurance issues abound, with many reporting dissatisfaction with providers, leading to slow or no progress on claims.
As we mark this somber anniversary, the future remains uncertain for countless families, with trauma still deeply felt in many hearts. As Jessica Rogers, a survivor, put it, It’s not what people talk about, but it is incredibly apparent and very real. Getting creative with finances or relying on loans has become the norm for others like Al Bailey, who vows to stay in their community despite costs. The question now is who will recover and who will be left behind as rebuilding efforts continue in the months ahead.
While some, like Ted Koerner, managed to expedite their rebuilding process after liquidating retirement savings and moving quickly, many are still waiting on insurance payouts that may not fully cover the reconstruction costs. As a result, the streets of Pacific Palisades and Altadena are a stark reminder of the disaster, dotted with dirt lots and abandoned structures.
The aftermath has left entire communities struggling, with many homeowners unsure if they can afford to rebuild. Over 600 properties have been sold, indicating a mass departure from affected areas. Insurance issues abound, with many reporting dissatisfaction with providers, leading to slow or no progress on claims.
As we mark this somber anniversary, the future remains uncertain for countless families, with trauma still deeply felt in many hearts. As Jessica Rogers, a survivor, put it, It’s not what people talk about, but it is incredibly apparent and very real. Getting creative with finances or relying on loans has become the norm for others like Al Bailey, who vows to stay in their community despite costs. The question now is who will recover and who will be left behind as rebuilding efforts continue in the months ahead.
