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The Complex Road to Wildland Fire Recovery

Published January 21, 2025

The rebuilding process following the end of the current wildland fires will be a challenging and lengthy journey. While the steps involved are becoming clearer, specific timelines remain uncertain as the full scope of the damage is still being assessed. However, early indications show that recovery efforts while underway must be a coordinated effort based on what we have learned from previous fires

For example, at a recent community meeting in Westwood, attended by officials such as the Los Angeles Police Chief, Los Angeles Fire Chief, and other local leaders, my colleague Dr. Steve Kahane observed encouraging signs of state-of-the-art progress. Government representatives were on-site at the meeting issuing vital documents—such as driver’s licenses, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and utility bills—to immediately help affected residents begin to rebuild their lives.

Also, a good friend and colleague Dr. Stephen Baruch helped to outline some initial steps that will be taken in the recovery process.

1. Removal of Hazardous Materials: The first priority is clearing hazardous and toxic materials. [Specifically, older homes ~pre 1975 may still contain asbestos and other materials which are known to be toxic and hazardous to human health.] This effort, led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has already begun. Estimates suggest this process could take 3-6 months, as each area must be inspected and assessed before work can start.
2. Clearing Non-Hazardous Debris: Once hazardous materials are removed, the next step involves clearing non-hazardous debris, such as remnants of homes and structures. Some reports estimate it could take up to a week to clear debris from a single house, though these timelines may vary.
3. Grid Searches for Survivors and Remains: Simultaneously, grid searches for survivors and remains are ongoing. These searches will continue alongside the debris removal process to ensure no one is left behind.
4. Limited Resident Access: In some areas, residents are being allowed to visit their homes during daylight hours. However, in other locations, it may be weeks before access is granted. No definitive timeline exists for a full return.
5. Soil Assessment and Treatment: After hazardous materials and debris are removed, the soil must be evaluated and treated to eliminate any toxic chemicals. The timeline and cost for this step are still unknown.
6. Restoration of Utilities: Restoring essential services like water and electricity is another critical step. However, there are currently no estimates for when this work will be completed or how much it will cost.
7. Rebuilding Homes and Infrastructure: The final phase involves rebuilding homes and infrastructure. While no official timeline has been provided, experts predict this process could take several years.

I want to contribute to highlighting meaningful “Signs of Hope” by focusing on neighborhood rebuilding efforts and reporting on them for as long as needed. I welcome advice and active participation from those directly affected, providing a platform to share their voices.

Also….. Consider making a donation to an organization like Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles. OBKLA unites volunteers to cook and package meals for those facing hardship alongside incredible chefs. These meals are then provided to social service organizations for distribution and this past week have been feeding the entire community.

Be well and stay safe.