2025 FIRES RESEARCH - LOS ANGELES COUNTY
IMPACT DESIGN FOR RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
1. Introduction/Context
Personal Reflection:
With a background in architecture focused on residential work, I have always viewed homes as more than just physical structures. Each project I worked on emphasized how a home reflects its occupants' identities and is intricately tied to the community. A home is deeply intertwined with the larger concept of community — not only in the context of the house itself but also in relation to the neighborhood and broader social fabric. This understanding informs my view of the fires' impact on neighborhoods, individuals, and communities in Southern California. The devastation extends beyond property damage to emotional, social, and communal disruption, highlighting the need for thoughtful, resilient rebuilding efforts.
2. Overview of the Recent Fires
Fires List (including locations, dates, and acres):
Palisades Fire
County: Los Angeles
Date Started: 01/07/25
Date Contained: 01/31/25
Acres: 23,707
Damage Assessment:
973 Structures Damaged (Residential, Commercial, and Other)
6,837 Structures Destroyed (Residential, Commercial, and Other)
12 Confirmed Civilian Fatalities
3 Confirmed Civilian Injuries
1 Confirmed Firefighter Injury
Resources Assigned:
800 Personnel
22 Engines
1 Water Tender
9 Crews
1 Other Assigned
Eaton Fire
County: Los Angeles
Date Started: 01/07/25
Date Contained: 01/31/25
Acres: 14,021
Damage Assessment
1,074 Structures Damaged (Residential, Commercial, and Other)
9,414 Structures Destroyed (Residential, Commercial, and Other)
17 Confirmed Civilian Fatalities
1 Confirmed Civilian Injury
Resources Assigned:
800 Personnel
22 Engines
1 Water Tender
9 Crews
1 Other Assigned
Hughes Fire
County: Los Angeles
Date Started: 01/22/25
Date Contained: 01/30/25
Acres: 10,425
Kenneth Fire
County: Los Angeles, Ventura
Date Started: 01/09/25
Date Contained: 01/12/25
Acres: 1,052
Hurst Fire
County: Los Angeles
Date Started: 01/07/25
Date Contained: 01/16/25
Acres: 799
Lidia Fire
County: Los Angeles
Date Started: 01/08/25
Date Contained: 01/11/25
Acres: 395
Sepulveda Fire
County: Los Angeles
Date Started: 01/23/25
Date Contained: 01/24/25
Acres: 45
Sunset Fire
County: Los Angeles
Date Started: 01/08/25
Date Contained: 01/09/25
Acres: 43
Woodley Fire
County: Los Angeles
Date Started: 01/08/25
Date Contained: 01/08/25
Acres: 30
Archer Fire
County: Los Angeles
Date Started: 01/10/25
Date Contained: 01/11/25
Acres: 19
3. Historic Preservation Standards Pertaining to Designated Historic Resources Affected by the Palisades Fire Emergency
Context and Overview:
The Palisades Fire in January 2025 devastated significant portions of the Pacific Palisades, including historic resources. To facilitate rebuilding, the city has issued guidelines for managing changes to historic properties affected by the fire.
Mayor’s Executive Order:
On January 13, 2025, Mayor Karen Bass issued Emergency Executive Order No. 1 to expedite recovery and rebuilding efforts, including handling the preservation of historic sites.
Role of LA City Planning and LADBS:
City Planning is tasked with creating a list of designated historic resources affected by the fire.
LADBS is responsible for inspections and issuing guidelines on applying the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Properties (Standards).
Scenarios for Applying Historic Preservation Standards:
Complete Destruction of Historic Resource: If all significant features are destroyed, the property retains its historic designation, but reconstruction will not be reviewed for compliance with the Standards.
Partial Destruction and Partial Retention: If significant features remain, review under the Standards will determine if repairs or rehabilitation are possible, with the State Office of Historic Preservation providing additional guidance.
Voluntary Reconstruction: Property owners who wish to recreate lost features may follow the Standards for Reconstruction to ensure accurate duplication based on available evidence.
4. Key News Reports and Media
Online Sources:
CBS News: Fire containment/status
NY Times: Satellite images and real-time updates
5. Emergency Relief and Resources
Donation Centers:
Santa Anita Race Track Parking Lot (¼ of it)
Originally set up at the Rose Bowl Parking I, moved to Walnut.
Impact on Local Economy and Immediate Assistance:
Estimated Damages: $250 billion
Loss of Tourism, Businesses, and Environmental Damage: A significant economic blow to the region.
Emergency Government Action: FEMA, shelters, food distribution, etc.
Federal Government Support:
Increase in federal funding from 75% to 100%
Temporary shelters, 180 days of support
Additional personnel: 400 federal firefighters, 30 helicopters, 500 wildfire-clearing specialists
National Disaster Assistance:
Website: DisasterAssistance.gov
Phone: 1-800-621-3362
Evacuation and Shelter Locations:
Pasadena Convention Center (300 E Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101)
Stoner Recreation Center (1835 Stoner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025)
(Additional locations follow...)
6. Fire Weather Conditions & Challenges
Meteorology & Resources:
Santa Ana Winds: Unpredictable day/night changes, influencing fire behavior.
Humidity Levels: Low humidity makes fires easier to start and spread.
Water Systems: Water pressure issues and downed power lines affected firefighting efforts.
Firefighting Efforts:
Castaic Lake Fire Challenges: Unable to use Castaic Lake due to repairs.
Aerial Drops: Aerial firefighting remains crucial despite wind interference.
Ember Cast: Flying embers can ignite fires up to 2 miles away.
7. Insurance & Legal Matters
Insurance Claims:
Challenges: Difficulty in securing insurance for older homes (pre-1976).
Insurance Issues: Denied coverage, fraud, and confusion from false alerts.
Legal Considerations:
Maintain organized insurance documentation.
Take photos/videos of belongings before disasters.
Be aware of fraudsters and verify any claims before signing.
Resources:
California Department of Insurance: Website
8. Rebuilding and Future Preparation
Resilience and Fire-Resistant Rebuilding:
Rebuild with stronger, more resilient materials and methods.
Focus on fire-resistant designs and materials in fire-prone areas.
Long-term Environmental Impact: Implement sustainable, fire-resilient planning.
How to Prepare:
Be proactive with fire safety measures, including securing insurance and safeguarding critical documents.
Regularly review and update insurance policies, especially in fire zones.
9. Fire Prevention & Building for Fires
Building in Fire Zones:
Los Angeles County's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) require specific measures to prevent wildfires from spreading and damaging homes. Below are strategies for building in these areas:
Roofs: Use fire-resistant materials (Class-A roofing).
Walls: Non-combustible or ignition-resistant materials.
Gutters: Prevent debris accumulation.
Vents: Use specialized mesh to prevent ember intrusion.
Decking and Doors: Use fire-resistant materials, including tempered glass and fire-resistant doors.
Landscaping and Additional Considerations:
Reduce heavy vegetation near structures to prevent fire spread.
Use non-combustible materials in exterior structures.
10. Community Support and Recovery
Rebuilding Community Ties:
The fires have not only destroyed homes but have deeply impacted local communities. Rebuilding these communities involves providing emotional and social support to residents. Mental health services should be prioritized as people cope with the trauma of losing homes and loved ones.
Mental Health Resources:
National Disaster Mental Health Support (Local resources and support services can be added here.)
11. Future Strategies & Recommendations
Community-Centric Rebuilding:
Rebuilding efforts should focus on supporting not only physical structures but the social fabric of affected communities. Collaborative planning can ensure that the rebuilding process fosters strong, resilient neighborhoods. Incorporating innovative fire-resistant design and sustainable urban planning is key to minimizing future fire risks.
12. Conclusion
The 2025 fires in Southern California have left a devastating mark on homes, communities, and lives. The recovery process must be approached with a focus on resilience, both in terms of physical rebuilding and the emotional recovery of communities. The challenges of rebuilding will be formidable, but with the collective effort of local, state, and federal resources, Southern California can emerge stronger and more prepared for future fires.
13. Sources