In January 2025, Los Angeles County experienced one of the most destructive wildfire events in its recent history. Extreme winds and very dry conditions caused several fires to spread rapidly across the region, damaging homes, disrupting community infrastructure, and forcing many residents to leave their neighborhoods.

The two most destructive fires were the Eaton Fire in Altadena and the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades. Together, they burned more than 57,000 acres, destroyed over 18,000 structures, and forced more than 250,000 people to leave their homes at the height of the emergency.

Beyond the physical destruction, the fires disrupted daily life across many communities. Schools, parks, local businesses, and community organizations were damaged or temporarily closed. Smoke and ash also affected air quality, increasing respiratory illnesses, especially among children, older adults, and people with asthma.

The impacts of the fires, however, were not the same for each community. Factors such as income levels, homeownership, access to savings or insurance, and local job opportunities influence how quickly families and neighborhoods recover. In some areas, residents were able to return and rebuild quickly, while in others, recovery has been slower and more difficult.

Wildfires also caused significant economic disruption. Many small businesses closed temporarily or permanently, and workers lost income when workplaces shut down. These impacts were especially severe in communities where local businesses and service jobs are a major source of employment.

In the months that followed, the County and its partners launched a county-wide recovery effort. Disaster Recovery Centers opened to help residents apply for assistance. The work to clear debris and issue rebuilding permits was a priority. State and federal partners also supported hazardous waste cleanup and infrastructure repair.

Los Angeles County launched several programs to help residents, workers, and businesses recover, including:

• Opening local recovery centers where residents can receive disaster assistance, housing help, and legal guidance
• Creating an online relief portal to connect people with grants, services, and volunteer support
• Investing $4.25 million to repair damaged parks, trails, and open spaces
• Establishing a $1 million relief fund for small businesses and displaced workers
• Accelerating debris removal and cleanup efforts to help homeowners rebuild sooner

These efforts provided important short-term support while longer-term rebuilding continues.

To help the public assess the impacts of this disaster, the Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office (CEO) Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) Initiative developed the January 2025 Wildfire and Windstorm Impact Dashboard. This online dashboard brings together key details in one place so residents can better understand how the effects this disaster had on the County and the resulting displacement. It shows how the fires affected:

• Communities and neighborhoods
• Housing and displacement
• Workers and local businesses
• Environmental conditions

This dashboard brings together multiple dimensions of wildfire impact into a single, integrated view, allowing users to understand not only where fires occurred but also who was affected and how.