It's Been One Year Since Wildfires Devastated Los Angeles. What Have We Learned?

"The wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles a year ago were among the worst in California's history. They were exacerbated by persistent drought, a buildup of vegetation and Santa Ana winds which, at times, exceeded 80 mph. The most damaging fires, which reduced Altadena and Pacific Palisades to ashes, were finally extinguished on January 31, 2025. A year later, what have we learned about the wildfires and their aftermath?"

"Approximately 59 square miles burned. An estimated 440 people died-31 as a result of direct contact with the fires; others as a result of heart and lung conditions aggravated by the smoke and stress, or breakdowns in the health care and mental health care systems. More than 200,000 people were forced from their homes and as of October, about 70% of residents remained displaced."

"The tons of ash and debris left behind were laden with toxic material because many homes were built before 1975 and constructed with lead paint and toxic asbestos, both of which are now banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Hazardous material, like asbestos, batteries and propane tanks, was initially removed by the EPA, and by September, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had cleared 2.6 million tons of ash, debris and contaminated soil from the area."

The wildfires were driven by persistent drought, vegetation buildup and Santa Ana winds exceeding 80 mph and were extinguished on January 31, 2025. Approximately 59 square miles burned and an estimated 440 people died, including 31 from direct contact with flames; many others died from smoke-aggravated heart and lung conditions or health-system breakdowns. More than 200,000 people were forced from their homes and about 70% remained displaced as of October. Over 17,000 homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. Ash and debris contained lead and asbestos from pre-1975 construction; EPA and the U.S. Army Corps cleared millions of tons. Drinking water and outdoor air stabilized, but volatile compounds and elevated lead/asbestos persist in some homes. Rebuilding has been minimal in L.A. County, with most new construction limited and many residents unable to afford to rebuild.

Read at State of the Planet