LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES

On January 7th, 2025, fire swept through Pasadena, turning the morning sky into a haze of smoke and ash. What began as complaints about strange weather became evacuation alerts within hours. This series documents how communities rebuild, how stories spread, what we can learn from other states, and how technology might prevent the next fire.

PROJECTS

Community Resilience, Community Rebuilding.

On January 8th, the day after flames tore through the streets, neighbors came together, pooling resources and strength to support each other in the aftermath.

USC Annenberg Wildfire Interviews @KCRW

Stories matter. These interviews preserve voices from the fire. They are reminders of what was lost, what was saved, and how we begin again.

AI Machine Learning Wildfire Predictor

Prevention is protection. This tool uses past wildfire data to forecast risks in our region and help communities prepare before the next spark.

Protection Methods in Other U.S. States

California isn’t alone. Other states face the same threat—and share solutions. What can we learn from them, and what can we offer in return?

OTHER RESOURCES

To help your own community prepare, rebuild, or support others, here is a compiled list of websites, organizations, and guides you can use.

1. Preparedness

Ready.gov – Wildfires – Federal emergency guidelines for preparing homes, evacuation kits, and family safety plans.
CAL FIRE – Ready for Wildfire – California’s official site on defensible space, hardening homes, and fire-safe landscaping.
Red Cross – Wildfire Safety – Checklists and mobile alerts for staying informed.
Watch Duty --- Map for staying informed on the latest fires in your area, or any area.
U.S. Fire Administration --- Fire safety for everyone, and catch up on the latest news and protection methods

2. Recovery

FEMA – Wildfire Disaster Assistance – Federal aid for housing, repairs, and personal recovery.
California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) – Local recovery centers, disaster loans, and insurance guidance.
National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation – Mapping tools for disaster response and damage assessment.

3. Community Support

United Way Wildfire Recovery Fund – Supports displaced families and long-term rebuilding.
Mutual Aid Disaster Relief – Grassroots networks offering supplies and volunteer help.

LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES

PROJECTS

Community Resilience, Community Rebuilding.

USC Annenberg Wildfire Interviews @KCRW

AI Machine Learning Wildfire Predictor

Protection Methods in Other U.S. States

OTHER RESOURCES

To help your own community prepare, rebuild, or support others, here is a compiled list of websites, organizations, and guides you can use.

1. Preparedness

Ready.gov – Wildfires – Federal emergency guidelines for preparing homes, evacuation kits, and family safety plans.

CAL FIRE – Ready for Wildfire – California’s official site on defensible space, hardening homes, and fire-safe landscaping.

Red Cross – Wildfire Safety – Checklists and mobile alerts for staying informed.

Watch Duty --- Map for staying informed on the latest fires in your area, or any area.

U.S. Fire Administration --- Fire safety for everyone, and catch up on the latest news and protection methods

​ 2. Recovery

FEMA – Wildfire Disaster Assistance – Federal aid for housing, repairs, and personal recovery.

California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) – Local recovery centers, disaster loans, and insurance guidance.

National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation – Mapping tools for disaster response and damage assessment.

3. Community Support

United Way Wildfire Recovery Fund – Supports displaced families and long-term rebuilding.

Mutual Aid Disaster Relief – Grassroots networks offering supplies and volunteer help.

2. Recovery