Make Me Smart The road to rebuilding, one year after the LA wildfires
Jan 6, 2026
David Brancaccio, host of Marketplace Morning Report and a public-radio veteran, shares his firsthand experience of losing his home in the devastating LA wildfires. He discusses the slow and costly process of rebuilding in his Altadena community, highlighting the challenges of using fire-resistant materials and navigating insurance hurdles. David also reflects on the emotional toll of loss, community rituals during reconstruction, and the uncertain return of original residents versus outside developers. His insights shed light on resilience and recovery in the face of catastrophe.
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Reporting From Ground Zero
- David Brancaccio lost his new Altadena home in the Eaton fire and has been documenting neighbors' recovery firsthand.
- Fifteen houses on his street burned and many standing homes are uninhabitable due to smoke contamination.
Permits Lag Far Behind Damage
- LA County approved only 1,167 rebuild permits after ~16,000 structures burned, showing slow recovery pace.
- Of those permits, just over 500 were in active rebuilding, revealing a large backlog.
Neighbors Break Ground First
- One neighbor secured a contractor, planner, and broke ground quickly, celebrating with friends during framing.
- David's neighbors signed messages on the studs as a community ritual while rebuilding began.