I watched as the skies over my home in Los Angeles turned an apocalyptic orange on January 7, 2025, as wildfires raged across the state. Among the most devastating, the Palisades Fire consumed thousands of acres, leaving a wake of destruction that has pushed California to reckon with its wildfire management strategies.
The fires, fueled by relentless Santa Ana winds, have laid bare vulnerabilities in wildfire prevention, urban planning, emergency preparedness, and the state’s ability to adapt to escalating climate threats.
As a resident, and as a risk professional, the devastation has been staggering to witness. The fire has destroyed over 12,000 structures, including iconic landmarks such as the Will Rogers State Historic Park and the Topanga Ranch Motel. Schools and places of worship, including Palisades Elementary and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, have been reduced to ash.
Preliminary estimates peg the economic toll at over $250 billion, with insured losses alone surpassing $30 billion, making this the costliest wildfire event in global history. As of January 14, 25 lives have been lost, with hundreds of injuries, including a firefighter battling life-threatening injuries. Nearly 150,000 residents have been evacuated, their futures uncertain as Califo