California Governor Signs Legislation to Expedite Wildfire recovery, Strengthen Disaster Response
ALTADENA, Calif.(AP) – California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of bills today aimed at accelerating recovery efforts for communities devastated by the January wildfires that swept through Los Angeles County,while also reforming the state’s overall disaster preparedness and response system. The legislation addresses immediate needs of wildfire survivors and implements long-term strategies to mitigate future risks.
The bills prioritize rebuilding efforts by streamlining the permitting process for homeowners and allowing residents to live in temporary structures on their properties during reconstruction. Property tax relief is also included for those impacted by the fires.
The Eaton and Palisades fires, which erupted in January, resulted in over 30 fatalities and the destruction of thousands of homes in Altadena, Malibu, and Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood.The Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive in state history, burned for days, claiming 12 lives and destroying nearly 7,000 structures. Prosecutors have charged Jonathan Rinderknecht with starting a small fire on New Year’s Day that authorities say contributed to the blaze. The Eaton Fire,which ravaged the community of Altadena,destroyed more than 9,400 homes and killed 19 people. Federal officials have sued Southern California Edison, alleging its equipment sparked the Eaton Fire, though an official cause remains undetermined.
“While it’s been nine months since these firestorms struck Los Angeles, the destruction and devastation left behind is still fresh for thousands of survivors and remains a constant reminder that we have more to do to support our fellow californians,” Newsom said in a statement.
Beyond immediate recovery, the legislation establishes programs to reduce future wildfire risk. These include a grant program to help low-income homeowners install fire-safe roofs and funding for defensible space vegetation clearing projects. The bills also provide protections for homeowners and tenants following disasters and increase penalties for looting and impersonating first responders in evacuation zones.
Newsom signed the measures in Altadena, surrounded by legislators and wildfire survivors. The bipartisan bills are informed by lessons learned from the recent firestorms and represent a complete effort to improve California’s disaster resilience.
