After the Fires

One year ago, the Palisades and Eaton Fires devastated Los Angeles, California. Since then, community members have been working to rebuild.

The fires began on January 7, 2025, and were propelled by dry conditions and wind speeds as high as 90 miles per hour. The AP reports that the fires burned through about 59 square miles. Thirty-one people died, and more than 16,000 structures were destroyed.

Communities pulled together to help. People donated clothing, household items, and money. The Milken Institute, a nonprofit organization, estimates that as much as $970 million has been donated toward fire relief.

Some people are using that money to build new homes. At press time, 10 houses had been fully rebuilt. Hundreds more are still under construction.

REBUILDING On December 29, 2025, workers rebuild a home that was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, in Altadena, California.

In the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, Missi Dowd-Figueroa planted sunflowers at the site of her lost house. Flowers won’t fix anything, she told the AP in December, but they can spread hope. Her new house is currently being built. It might be ready by June. “We can do this,” she said.

Stop and Think!

WHAT data or statistics are included in the article? How do they help you understand the subject? What other data could be included?