Half a year later, Gov. Newsom says Los Angeles wildfire recovery set new benchmark for speed, coordination, and community support
Los Angeles, California – Since the moment firestorms erupted across Los Angeles County, California Governor Gavin Newsom has led a comprehensive and fast-moving response to protect lives, support recovery, and rebuild stronger communities. Even before flames engulfed neighborhoods, the state was already in motion, deploying emergency teams and preparing resources to confront what became one of the most destructive wildfire events in recent years.
More than 16,000 people were sent to tackle the fire at its peak. Governor Newsom acted quickly to deal with the current situation and start a recovery effort that has never been seen before, with record-breaking speed and coordination. This entailed getting a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration from the leaving Biden Administration and then working with the new Trump Administration to make sure that Los Angeles got a lot of federal help.
Because of these early and well-planned activities, the state and federal response reached goals that used to take months. In just 30 days, dangerous debris was taken away from more than 9,000 homes. This is a much faster cleanup than after the Camp, Woolsey, and Tubbs fires. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sent 500 crews to help with the effort, which involved cleaning ash and poisonous debris around the clock.
The numbers tell the story of California’s commitment:
- Over 16,000 responders deployed
- $2.5 billion in SBA assistance approved
- $144.2 million in direct individual assistance distributed
- 9,195 properties cleared of debris
- 12,500 right-of-entry forms submitted
- 40,000 people visited disaster recovery centers
- All local schools and water systems fully operational again
Governor Newsom also signed a lot of executive orders that were meant to speed up rebuilding, cut down on red tape, and keep people safe in the areas that were damaged. This included removing the need for CEQA and Coastal Act permits to help fire victims rebuild their homes and businesses faster, pushing back important tax deadlines, and suspending penalties for late property tax payments.
One of the most important things about the recovery has been making sure that families who have been forced to move have a place to stay. New rules made it simpler to set up trailers, mobile units, and extra homes. They also suspended taxes and protected renters who sheltered fire victims. The state cracked down on price gouging to stop more damage. They focused on illegal rent, hotel, and building material increases.
The Governor put economic resiliency ahead of physical rehabilitation. A $125 million mortgage relief fund was set up, and businesses got help right away through waivers of license fees and other regulatory relief. The state also made sure that families in need could get food by making more people eligible for Disaster CalFresh.
Governor Newsom’s team set up a central information hub called CA.gov/LAfires and started the LA Rises project to bring together public and private partners for long-term reconstruction.
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As a last resort, the government took steps to protect victims from greedy land speculators who were proposing low-ball financial bargains to those who had lost everything. California’s all-in approach has made a difference in the face of tremendous tragedy. It has set a new standard for quick recovery, strength, and kindness.
