A year after LA-area wildfires destroyed thousands of homes, fewer than a dozen have been rebuilt

"Fewer than a dozen homes have been rebuilt in Los Angeles County since the Jan. 7, 2025, Palisades and Eaton fires erupted, killing 31 people and destroying about 13,000 homes and other residential properties. The fires burned for more than three weeks and clean-up efforts took about seven months. For those who had insurance, it's often not enough to cover the costs of construction. Relief organizations are stepping in to help, but progress is slow."

"Among the exceptions is Ted Koerner, whose Altadena home was reduced to ash and two chimneys. With his insurance payout tied up, the 67-year-old liquidated about 80% of his retirement holdings, secured contractors quickly, and moved decisively through the rebuilding process. An aerial view shows houses being rebuilt on cleared lots months after the Palisades Fire, Dec. 5, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)"

"But most do not have options like Koerner. The streets of the coastal community of Pacific Palisades and Altadena, a community in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, remain lined with dirt lots. In the seaside city of Malibu, foundations and concrete piles rising out of the sand are all that's left of beachfront homes that once butted against crashing ocean waves."

The Jan. 7, 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires killed 31 people and destroyed about 13,000 homes and other residential properties. The fires burned for more than three weeks and cleanup efforts lasted about seven months. Fewer than a dozen homes have been rebuilt in Los Angeles County since the fires. Insurance payouts for many homeowners are delayed or insufficient to cover rebuilding costs. Relief organizations are providing assistance but progress remains slow. Many neighborhoods remain cleared lots or foundations, and some surviving homes are uninhabited due to toxic contamination concerns.

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