One Year After L.A. Wildfires: The Struggle to Rebuild and Overcome

Sat Jan 10 2026 07:09:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A year after the devastating wildfires tore through Los Angeles, the community faces a slow rebuilding process amid insurance struggles and emotional trauma.

The anniversary of the destructive L.A. wildfires highlights the ongoing challenges faced by survivors. With only a handful of homes rebuilt and insurance issues delaying progress, many residents, like Ted Koerner, strive to return to normalcy while grappling with the emotional scars left behind. The rebuilding process remains slow, with significant disparities in recovery efforts among homeowners, particularly in racially diverse communities like Altadena.

LOS ANGELES — On the first anniversary of the most destructive wildfires in the L.A. area, the scant home construction projects stand out among the still mostly flattened landscapes.

Fewer than a dozen homes have been rebuilt in Los Angeles County since January 7, 2025, when the Palisades and Eaton fires erupted, killing 31 people and destroying about 13,000 homes. Many residents are grappling with insufficient insurance payouts, while relief organizations strive to help but face slow progress.

Ted Koerner, whose home in Altadena was turned to ash, found a way to rebuild by liquidating most of his retirement savings to secure contractors. He completed his home shortly before Thanksgiving, becoming one of the few to do so in the wake of the fires, which were fueled by drought and powerful winds.

However, many homeowners are still left in limbo. The coastal communities of Pacific Palisades and Altadena are lined with dirt lots, remnants of homes that once stood proud. In Malibu, only foundations remain where homes once met the beach. Areas remain dark at night due to the lack of replaced streetlights, and many houses are still uninhabited as families work to clear toxic contaminants.

The daunting cost of rebuilding can exceed $1 million, and many homeowners are stuck deciding how to finance their recovery. Over 600 properties previously occupied have been sold, indicating a mass exodus from the affected neighborhoods.

The Financial Strain

Joy Chen, director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, noted the significant gap between insurance payouts and actual rebuilding costs. As of December, under 20% of homeowners with total losses had settled their insurance claims.

There have also been concerns regarding the practices of major insurers, leading to a civil investigation. Jessica Rogers, whose coverage was unexpectedly canceled after the fire, is wrestling with her financial situation and the difficult application processes for aid.

Among the enduring challenges is the emotional toll of the recovery process. Many residents are coping with trauma while still trying to reclaim their homes.

As fewer homes are rebuilt than expected one year after the fires, the impact is reminiscent of past recovery efforts in other locations facing similar disasters. Experts point to emerging inequalities in the rebuilding process, particularly for communities like Altadena, which historically provided homeownership opportunities for Black families.

Determined to rebuild, some residents like Al and Charlotte Bailey are using a combination of insurance payouts and loans to finance their efforts, affirming their commitment to their community despite the hurdles faced.