Tuesday, July 8, 2025

LA County Releases Ambitious “Blueprint for Rebuilding” Following Catastrophic Wildfires

By ANDRÈ COLEMAN, Managing Editor

In the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades Fires — two of the most destructive disasters in California’s recent history — Los Angeles County has released a comprehensive post-disaster recovery plan aimed at guiding the next phase of rebuilding.

The plan, titled “LA County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding,” sets forth a detailed roadmap to help residents, businesses, and communities recover swiftly, sustainably, and equitably.

“As we mark six months since these devastating fires, we recognize the historic actions taken to clear the debris from thousands of properties in record time,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “But this is only the beginning. We must move into the next phase – rebuilding – with the same determination and urgency.”

Locally, the Eaton Fire destroyed much of Altadena, killing 18 people and destroying more than 9,000 structures leaving 14,000 acres scorched.

Combined, the two fires destroyed or severely damaged more than 18,000 homes and structures across the county. Nearly 200,000 residents were displaced, and 30 lives were tragically lost.

Los Angeles County—working closely with city governments, state and federal partners including FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—launched what has now been declared the fastest major debris removal operation in state history. More than 2.5 million tons of debris were cleared from over 10,000 properties—about six months ahead of the timeline for comparable past disasters.

The Blueprint for Rebuilding aims to support both unincorporated areas and cities through coordinated efforts that reduce costs, accelerate construction, and provide the workforce and infrastructure needed to rebuild entire neighborhoods.

In the six months since the fires, LA County has mobilized wide-reaching support. So far more than $51 million in direct financial relief to homeowners, renters, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations has been distributed. The county has also deferred or refunded permitting fees that can exceed $20,000 per household.

The County has identified six core priorities: supporting a feasible financial path to return, ensuring critical infrastructure is in place, accelerating permitting and inspections, mobilizing the workforce and coordinating delivery, growing the pool of builders and materials, and bringing back everyday services and public assets.

The County is working with the state to waive or defer building requirements that do not impact life and safety—such as rooftop solar mandates and energy efficiency standards—to reduce costs by up to $30,000 per rebuild.

Officials are also expediting property tax reassessments, potentially saving homeowners $3,000 to $10,000 annually. The County and its utility partners are undertaking a massive effort to underground more than 150 miles of electric, gas, and telecommunications lines—aiming to modernize systems and reduce future wildfire risks.

The full LA County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding is expected to be released in its entirety later this month.