LA’s Devastating Wildfires: Where Do Displaced Residents Go?

A devastating series of wildfires has left thousands homeless in Los Angeles County, forcing residents to confront the daunting question: where do they go now? The fires, which have destroyed an estimated 12,000 structures and forced mass evacuations, are the costliest blaze in U.S. history, with projected economic losses of $50 billion to $150 billion.

For many Angelenos, including 30-year-old LaNiece Carpenter, who fled her home with her family and pets, the decision is impossible. “It’s an impossible decision either way,” Carpenter said. The city she grew up in has become unaffordable due to skyrocketing housing costs, with rent averaging $2,820 per month.

As the construction industry struggles to keep pace with demand for new homes, workers face a shortage of skilled labor and building permits. “You need all of that to surge to keep everything moving,” said Lauren Finegan, a research associate at the MIT Humanitarian Supply Chain Lab.

Communities across California are familiar with the challenges of rebuilding after natural disasters. In Colorado, the Marshall Fire destroyed 1,105 properties three years ago, and in North Carolina, flood-ravaged areas still struggle to recover. Even in Hawaii, where communities like Maui have experience with disaster recovery, the process is complex and costly.

For residents like Phillip Cohen, who narrowly escaped his Pacific Palisades condo during the fires, the road to recovery seems uncertain. “I’m sure every square inch has smoke damage and ash,” he said. As authorities assess whether his building can be salvaged, Cohen faces a daunting task: how to afford repairs or find a new place to live.

As Los Angeles begins the long process of rebuilding, residents are left wondering where they will go next. With no clear answers in sight, one thing is certain: the devastating impact of these wildfires will be felt for years to come.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/01/11/la-fires-housing-palisades