Los Angeles County has a plan to advance wildfire recovery

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Los Angeles County released a blueprint for wildfire recovery aimed at rebuilding communities in unincorporated areas that were affected by the Eaton and Palisades Fires. 

Los Angeles County is entering into a new phase: repairing, rebuilding and returning homes and structures in the Altadena and Sunset Mesa areas - where many of the hardest-hit neighborhoods are located. 

The January 7 wildfires caused havoc in Los Angeles County, destroying or damaging over 18,000 homes and structures, displacing almost 200,000 residents and killing 31 people, according to the LA County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding.

With the partnership of city, county, state, and federal agencies, the fires were contained and post-disaster debris-removal work is almost completely done. 

Los Angeles County said it "acted with urgency" to lay the groundwork for rebuilding and as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completes most of its debris-removal operations, it is moving forward with the next phase of wildfire recovery.

The blueprint released Monday is intended to give residents clarity, certainty and support on the path to returning home, according to a Los Angeles County news release Monday. 

“The blueprint is an essential roadmap forward, a shift from debris removal to reconstruction that will help residents and businesses navigate the path home with greater clarity and support,” Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said. “Our residents have been through so much, and they deserve nothing less than our full commitment to help them rebuild.”

The roadmap laid out in the blueprint is centered around the county’s plan to reflect the current needs of homeowners, renters, and business owners, and to help create smooth and effective reconstruction by “lowering building costs, speeding permitting and inspections, and protecting communities from future fire danger.” 

A spokesman from the Chief Executive Office of Los Angeles County told The Center Square Wednesday that Los Angeles County has spoken to many people to understand what the communities affected by the fires need and want.

“Over the past few months, feedback was collected from residents and community-based organizations through surveys, community meetings, interviews, focus groups, and citizen engagement platforms like the State of California’s Engaged California to understand their needs, priorities and barriers to returning home,” spokesman from the Chief Executive Office of Los Angeles County said.

California Gov. Newsom announced Monday that the state plans on helping Los Angeles County on its rebuilding process.

“As we turn the page from recovery to rebuilding, we’re doing it with a clear place, strong partnerships, and the urgency this moment demands,” Newsom said. “This creates a step-by-step guide to accelerate rebuilding and provide support to impacted families.”

Los Angeles County listed five things communities in Altadena and Sunset Mesa should expect in the coming months. One of them is a reopening plan for anchor facilities and local businesses so “grocery, health care, child-care, schools, and parks return when residents plan to return.”

The blueprint will serve as a roadmap for Los Angeles County and the state for the next 120 days.