Infrastructure Recovery Throughout Burn Area Communities
Los Angeles County is working to restore, improve, and plan for essential infrastructure in unincorporated communities affected by the January 2025 fires.
This page provides general information about ongoing and future infrastructure-related activities in Altadena and unincorporated areas of the Santa Monica Mountains (Pacific Palisades – Sunset Mesa).
LA County Infrastructure Efforts
Various Los Angeles County departments and partner agencies are working to ensure that the critical infrastructure systems unincorporated LA County residents rely on are restored, actively maintained, or considered for future development.
Part of this work includes assessing community needs, coordinating infrastructure improvements and planning for capital improvement investments.
Working with fire-affected communities, local stakeholders and recovery partners, Los Angeles County is leading multiple planning efforts to provide safe, reliable, climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure systems that meet the needs of our residents. Examples of these efforts include:
- The Infrastructure Recovery Plan strives to build a coordinated, equitable, and implementable post-fire conceptual plan for essential utilities (gas, water, sewer, roads, power) in the burn areas around the Eaton and Palisades Fires that reflect community input.
- The Altadena Wildfire Recovery Infrastructure Financing District (AWRIFD) establishes a funding mechanism that can facilitate the construction of infrastructure improvements in Altadena; a similar effort is underway to benefit the unincorporated area impacted by the Palisades wildfire.
- The West San Gabriel Valley (WSGV) Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a long-term strategic plan that guides how Los Angeles County prioritizes, plans, and funds infrastructure projects over the next 5-10 years in the WSGV. The WSGV CIP will focus on maintaining, improving, and expanding essential public infrastructure, specifically related to transportation/mobility, stormwater management, sewer, water, and energy, for nine (9) unincorporated communities within the WSGV Planning Area. The WSGV CIP will help identify priority projects, potential funding sources, and estimated timelines for capital infrastructure project completion.
Infrastructure Facilities/Systems
Wildfires and severe rainfall can damage road pavement, guardrails, signage, and adjacent hillsides.
Work on transportation and mobility systems may include:
- Clearing debris from roadways and sidewalks
- Repairing pavement and striping
- Stabilizing slopes near roadways and sidewalks
- Managing truck access for debris removal and rebuilding
- Development of community mobility modalities (pedestrian & bike paths)
Where appropriate, roadway repairs may also include slope stabilization or other measures to improve long-term resilience.
Burn area communities are more vulnerable to erosion and debris flows during rain events and require additional preparation for community safety.
Los Angeles County is prioritizing debris removal, drainage maintenance, and erosion control measures to reduce impacts from storms and improve system performance during extreme weather.
Work on stormwater mitigation and flood protection may include:
- Clearing storm drains and culverts
- Removing sediment from debris basins
- Installing temporary erosion control measures
- Repairing or reinforcing drainage systems
- Improving stormwater flow and debris management
In some locations, drainage repairs may also include improvements designed to help performance during heavy rain events.
These efforts help reduce flooding and mudflow risks, especially during storm season.
Residents should stay informed about weather advisories and follow all evacuation guidance during heavy rainfall.
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Wildfire heat and debris can affect both underground and overhead utilities, including water and sewer pipelines, power poles, telecommunications cables and gas lines.
Work on sanitary sewer, water systems, and energy-delivering utilities may include:
- Inspecting and repairing water lines and hydrants
- Flushing and testing water systems
- Inspecting sewer infrastructure
- Coordinating restoration of electric, gas, and telecommunications systems
Please note that energy-delivering utility providers typically perform much of this work directly, in coordination with local agencies.
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Infrastructure work may also include repairs to County-owned facilities, such as:
- Parks
- Libraries and community centers
- Streetlights and traffic signals
- Tree canopy
- Bridges and other public structures
Infrastructure improvements are evaluated based on site conditions, safety needs, and available funding. Damaged components may be replaced with more durable materials where feasible.
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Who Provides My Services?
If you are unsure which agencies provide your utility and/or infrastructure-related services, click here to find your local provider.
Report an Issue
Recovery Centers
If you see an urgent infrastructure concern such as:
- Blocked stormwater drainage
- Roadway damage
- Flooding risk
- Damaged guardrails or traffic signals
Please access the Los Angeles County Public Works reporting system using the following link:
pw.lacounty.gov/explore-public-works/report-a-problem/
For fire debris removal questions:
LA County Public Works Fire Debris Hotline: 844-347-3332
If there is immediate danger, please call 911.