PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. – One year after two massive wildfires ripped through opposite sides of Los Angeles County, recovery remains painfully slow for thousands of families. The fires, which ignited just hours apart, burned for weeks, killed 31 people, and destroyed more than 16,000 buildings, leaving entire neighborhoods struggling to move forward.
In Pacific Palisades and nearby Malibu, flames burned for 31 days, scorching roughly 37 square miles and destroying more than 6,000 structures—most of them homes. Across the county in Altadena, the Eaton Fire alone wiped out more than 9,000 buildings. Details on the slow rebuilding process and permit delays were also highlighted in a December analysis by the Los Angeles Times.
A Slow and Uneven Recovery
Today, many survivors are still waiting for permits to rebuild, while others face contaminated properties, long-term displacement, and the slow return of daily life. Even homes that remain standing are, in some cases, unlivable due to smoke damage, ash, and asbestos.
“I’ve seen silver linings all day long,” said Nicole Gyarmathy, who has returned to the area near her former apartment to replant flowers one year after the fire. She says small acts like planting and cleaning help her process loss and give hope to others visiting empty lots.
“People are coming up here to visit their lots that are empty,” Gyarmathy said. “They see that, and it just brings them hope that, ‘Oh yeah, no, we’re not being left behind.’”
Frustration and Anger Mark the Anniversary
Across the Palisades, the anniversary of the fire was marked by protests and memorials, reflecting lingering anger and frustration among residents.
Ken Ehrlich, an environmental lawyer who lost his home, recalled arriving at his property to find only ruins.
“We pulled up right on Sunset… hysterically crying and screaming at the site of our still smoldering property with only the chimney standing,” Ehrlich said.
According to county data cited in the Los Angeles Times, fewer than 14 percent of homes destroyed in the Palisades have received permits to rebuild. Ehrlich’s property is now nearing construction after months of delays.
“The threat is real… it’s a big problem,” he said, referring to contamination and safety issues that continue to plague the area.
Despite the obstacles, Ehrlich says seeing heavy machinery on his lot has renewed his optimism.
“My hope is wanting to come back to my home, wanting my family to come back, and really wanting the Palisades to come back better and stronger than it was before.”
Altadena Still Waiting to Rebuild
In Altadena, the Eaton Fire erupted under extreme conditions. Crews were already stretched thin fighting the Palisades fire when 90-mile-per-hour winds grounded aircraft and caused the blaze to explode.
Brian Childs stood this week on his cleared property, now just open land.
“It’s all you see, it’s black smoke going about 100 miles an hour and flames all around you,” he said of the night the fire began.
City and county data show that only 10 homes have been rebuilt in Altadena so far. Childs hopes his will be next, with plans completed and permits slowly moving forward.
“This is part of my family’s legacy,” he said. “I want to be able to leave this to my kids, and hopefully their kids.”
Renters and Low-Income Families Face Ongoing Displacement
Not everyone in Altadena has the option to rebuild. Many who lost homes were renters, and some remain displaced a year later.
“The housing need remains deeply, deeply urgent,” said Palin Ngaotheppitak, who works with Beacon Housing, a nonprofit building long-term housing for low-income fire survivors.
“We still see applications every day from folks who are living in their cars a year after the fire.”
Ngaotheppitak, who fled the fire with her children and is still waiting on progress for her own home, says community support is critical.
“We’re really looking out for our neighbors here,” she said. “We are in this together.”
As Los Angeles County marks one year since the devastating fires, rebuilding continues at an uneven pace, leaving many residents balancing grief, frustration, and cautious hope for what comes next.
