The Intelligence from The Economist In the line of fires: LA’s ashen suburbs one year on
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Jan 7, 2026 
Erin Braun, West Coast correspondent for The Economist, shares her firsthand insights on the aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires that struck a year ago. She discusses the stark inequality in rebuilding efforts, with wealthier neighborhoods bouncing back faster due to insurance disparities. Braun highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding utility companies and the emotional toll on displaced families. She also offers a glimmer of hope for reconstruction timelines, as communities aim to return home by next Christmas.
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Sudden Evacuation And Loss
- Audra Blunt described waking at 3 a.m. and being told they had to leave immediately when the fire hit.
- Their remodeled home is now an empty dirt lot, showing sudden loss and dislocation.
Long Tail Of Fire Damage
- The January fires killed 31 people and destroyed over 16,000 buildings, with broader health effects from smoke exposure.
- Recovery can take years and often divides life into 'before' and 'after' for survivors.
Permits Signal Early Rebuilding
- Permitting for rebuilding progressed faster than feared, with about 15% of destroyed buildings approved by December.
- A construction surge is expected after winter rains, signaling localized recovery momentum.