On the Los Angeles Wildfires

We, like the rest of our City, are reeling from the destruction caused by the recent wildfires. Our thoughts especially are with those whose lives were directly affected and who have suffered great losses.

As architects and planners we are grateful that we are in a position to help move things forward. We aim to be a source of information, as well as participate in a greater conversation about how we can restore our neighborhoods in a way that is more resilient, thoughtful, and hopefully even better than they were before.

WHAT IS THE LATEST ON REBUILDING?

There is a wealth of information being disseminated from a wide variety of sources. We, like many of our colleagues, are working diligently to stay up-to-date on the latest updates from the Federal and State governments, the County of Los Angeles, and Cities of Malibu and Los Angeles. Updates are posted on our NEWS PAGE as we receive them.

WHAT ARE BEST PRACTICES FOR REBUILDING?

The reality of climate change is that there are expanded areas of our City which must be considered as part of the Urban Wildfire Corridor. Agencies are currently working to update building code to require fire-resistive construction techniques in new locations, but regardless of requirements it is imperative that new construction be hardened against future disasters. What does this look like? Fire-resistant material choices for building exteriors, closed eaves and vents, tempered glass windows, sprinklers on roofs, and smart landscape strategies that include 5′ buffer zones, planned irrigation zones, and native plantings.

Additional information and resources related to fire-resistive construction can be found HERE, and fire-resistive landscape can be found HERE.

WAYS TO HELP

There are a wide range of organizations working to provide assistance to people who have been impacted by the fires. Here is a list of a few of them doing the good work, and ways you can assist.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is working alongside its partners to provide shelter, food, emotional support and health services. You can support the Red Cross by making a donation online, by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.

California Fire Foundation

An online monetary donation to the California Fire Foundation Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund directly supports victims of wildfires and disasters throughout California, including the L.A. County area.

Direct Relief

Direct Relief is a California-based disaster relief medical assistance organization. Those interested in supporting wildfire response efforts can donate to Direct Relief’s Wildfire Response Fund online. The donations directly benefit individuals impacted by the fires in Palisades, Altadena and across California providing critical aid where needed.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is currently accepting donations through the Emergency Disaster Fund to help meet the urgent need across Southern California. Monetary donations to directly aid the region can be made online.

Pasadena Humane

The organization has taken in over 100 animals, including a pony, for emergency boarding. You can make a monetary donation online. The organization is also accepting donated items, including food and water bowls, extra large crates and blankets. Donated items can be left in a donation bin in the front parking lot at 361 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena 91105.

California Community Foundation

The California Community Foundation distributes grants to affected communities through its Wildfire Recovery Fund. You can make a monetary donation online.

World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen’s relief team is in Southern California to support first responders and families affected by the fires, providing nourishing meals to people in need.

You can help by making an online donation.

Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE)

CORE is deploying an emergency response team to support those where air quality is a major concern. You can support CORE’s efforts by making an online monetary donation.