These days, Los Angeles is burning under a sky that seems to give no respite. The wildfires that have ravaged our county come with a ferocity we have never seen before, and their impact resonates not only in our lands, but also in our hearts. As someone who lives and works here, I feel the need to share with you what is happening, what has been lost, and what this means for our community.

Extensive damage

There are already more than 12,000 structures those that have fallen prey to the flames. Homes, businesses, memories, dreams… all have been consumed, especially in high-value areas like Pacific Palisades and Malibu. The images of these ruined areas are a stark representation of the magnitude of the devastation.

Human Impact

The fire has claimed not only property, but lives. At least 11 people have lost their lives in this disaster, and more than 130,000 have been forced to leave their homes. It is an exodus that does not distinguish between anonymous and famous, all united in the vulnerability brought by unleashed nature.

Economic Impact

The preliminary figures are chilling. With economic losses ranging from $135 billion and $150 billion, these fires are shaping up to be the costliest in U.S. history. This number not only reflects direct damage, but also considers indirect costs: lost wages, health costs, infrastructure deterioration, and supply chain disruptions.

Comparison with Previous Disasters

To put that into perspective, the estimated losses exceed those of the 2018 Camp Fire, which was until now the costliest wildfire with adjusted damages of $12.5 billionIt is disturbing to think that the economic blow could represent almost the 4% of California's annual GDP. It's a painful reminder of how vulnerable our economy is to these disasters.

Insurance and Financial Implications

On the financial front, insured losses are estimated in the billions, with JP Morgan projecting up to 1Q4T20 billionHowever, many of the affected homes were not insured due to the high risk of being located in these areas. This leaves many families not only homeless, but also without a financial lifeline.

Current Situation

Currently, the fires continue to rage uncontained, fueled by persistent Santa Ana winds and extreme drought, suggesting that ultimate losses will likely increase. Uncertainty about when this calamity will end adds another layer of anxiety to an already distressing situation.

These wildfires in Los Angeles County are marking a dark chapter in our history, one that reminds us of the fragility of our environment and the importance of disaster preparedness and response. We are facing a monumental challenge, but together, as a community, we must find the strength to rebuild and move forward. This is a time to remember the resilience that defines our people, our neighbors, and our community in Los Angeles.

As always, I will remain informed and committed to offering any help and support our community needs. If you are looking for information or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. We are all in this together, and we will get through this together.