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One year later: The Palisades and Eaton fires
Hear from fire survivors, read stories of resilience and and get helpful resources to mark the anniversary of the January 2025 L.A. fires.
In a matter of days in January 2025, L.A. was changed forever. Thirty-one people were killed. Two communities were devastated. Thousands of lives were thrown into upheaval and uncertainty.
Today, with rebuilding underway, fire survivors' resilience is on full display, even as they continue to struggle with frustrating and intractable problems.
On this page, you'll find LAist's coverage of the one-year anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades fires, a collection of stories that track the big issues that resulted from the fires, and resources for those still dealing with the effects.
Where is LA a year after the fires?
In this episode, we hear from LAist climate and environment reporter Erin Stone on what survivors are feeling; from LAist reporter Libby Rainey on rebuilding as a group; and from LAist science reporter Jacob Margolis on nature.
Featured reporting
Every fire survivor's story is different. But they're all connected too — to a traumatic event and to feelings of grief, anger and determination.
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48:34
More coverage
Big issues: Rebuilding
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
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3:45
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The pink flowers we love so much are a fire hazard, and it may be time to part ways with them.
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SoCal Edison and LADWP are starting to put power lines underground, but they’ll need the community on board to do it.Listen 0:49
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A state law extended mortgage forbearance for up to a year, but survivors say there’s far more to do.Listen 0:41
Resources
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We talked to experts and looked at the fine print to better understand the utility's payout plan for Eaton Fire survivors. -
An expert explains what survivors of the Palisades and Eaton fires should consider before joining a fire-related lawsuit. -
A new UC Berkeley report finds that rebuilding all-electric could save homeowners time and money. -
We've got tips for navigating insurance claims in the wake of the Eaton and Palisades fires … without losing your mind. -
After their more typical wood-framed homes burned, some are now rebuilding with non-combustible materials. And they’re getting discounts from insurance companies. -
With building contractors in hot demand, the state licensing board is offering tips on how to find a reputable contractor. -
Six months after the Eaton and Palisades fires, survivors and experts offer advice and perspective at an LAist event. -
Native plants, succulents and mulch are important considerations. But you can also improve fire resilience by following some guidelines about spacing and irrigation. -
Your game plan for what happens next. LAist will be there every step of the way.
Big issues: Emergency response
A state oversight agency cited the MonteCedro retirement community in Altadena for failing to follow its emergency evacuation plan.
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33:46
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All disasters are chaotic, but an LAist review of reports produced after two wildfire incidents found similar shortcomings and similar recommendations about how to fix them. -
911 recordings obtained by LAist shed light on why and how emergency planning continues to leave people with disabilities behind.
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Emergency alerts can save your life, but January's fires in L.A. highlighted the limits of cellphone warnings.Listen 0:46
Major milestones
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In the Palisades, a bell was rung 12 times for the 12 people who died in the fire. In Altadena, people call on Edison and insurance companies to provide more support.Listen 0:40 -
Survivors of the Eaton and Palisades Fires find healing and community working on a Rose Parade float to honor the lives and communities lost in last year's wildfires. -
It's the final step in the rebuilding process. -
Jose Rodriguez lost the garage home where his son lived. He wasn’t trying to be the first to rebuild. But his experience helped him earn that distinction.Listen 0:41 -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings.Listen 4:00 -
The release comes the same day federal prosecutors charged a man in connection with starting an earlier blaze that became the Palisades Fire. -
The yearly badminton tradition among neighbors enters its 81st season — the first after the January fires.Listen 3:57 -
The Self-Realization Fellowship’s Lake Shrine, a historic interfaith outpost for spiritual seekers, has reopened after seven months. -
There’s been significant progress in the recovery effort, but there’s a long road ahead.
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