LA Wildfires: What will Southern California do next?

Southern California is reeling from the largest wildfires in Los Angeles County's history, with over $50 billion in damages and more than 5,000 structures destroyed. As insurance options dwindle and rebuilding costs soar, residents face tough choices.

Southern California is grappling with the aftermath of the largest and costliest wildfires in Los Angeles County's history, which have caused over $50 billion in damages, according to JP Morgan analysts. 

The Palisades Fire alone destroyed more than 5,000 structures, leaving homeowners to decide whether to rebuild or relocate in the face of skyrocketing costs and insurance uncertainties.

State Farm and other major insurers have pulled back from California, citing increased wildfire risks, leaving many residents with the state’s FAIR Plan — a last-resort insurance policy with limited coverage, high premiums, lower maximum coverage limits and lack of personal liability protection. 

FAIR Plan policies grew from 200,000 in 2020 to over 450,000 by late 2024, tripling the plan’s loss exposure to $458 billion. Critics warn these bare-bones policies may leave wildfire victims underprotected.

“It’s just an unmitigated disaster,” said Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders. “Wildfires in January? This just proves insurers’ point that the risk is so significantly increased due to climate change.”

Rebuilding will test the region’s resources. About 25% of the construction workforce consists of immigrant labour, essential for recovery. 

However, President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportations could exacerbate labor shortages. Construction costs are also climbing due to high tariffs on materials like lumber and appliances.

Governor Gavin Newsom likened the recovery effort to a “Marshall Plan,” emphasising federal disaster assistance and the need for collaboration. 

President Joe Biden has pledged full federal disaster relief to California for six months. “We’re all better off when we’re working together to take care of people,” Newsom said.

Insurance reforms, including the ability to factor climate change risks into premiums, aim to stabilise the market. Yet, experts like Denise Rappmund of Moody’s warn these changes could drive premiums even higher.

As Southern California rebuilds, the focus remains on balancing immediate recovery with long-term resilience, a challenge amplified by the looming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

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