A recent review has found that Los Angeles County lacked a coordinated plan and established processes to effectively manage recovery efforts following the devastating fires in January 2025, which represented the largest disaster in the county's history.
The report, conducted by consulting firm McChrystal Group, highlighted that despite deficiencies in formal planning, county employees and partner organizations demonstrated significant dedication and effort in providing essential resources and support to fire survivors, often under extreme pressure and tight deadlines. Their work relied heavily on institutional knowledge rather than a structured recovery framework.
This assessment, which covered the initial three months post-firestorm, is the second major review commissioned by the county Board of Supervisors. Findings from the report resonate with the experiences of residents who have voiced concerns about the county's preparedness for future emergencies, given the region's known risks of wildfires, earthquakes, and floods. Sylvie Andrews, a fire survivor and advocate, stated, "This report just confirms something that all of us... [knew] through our lived experience: There was no plan in so many categories. L.A. County doesn’t have a plan for disasters—that’s a ticking time bomb."
The review identified critical gaps, including the absence of an updated Los Angeles County Operational Area Recovery Plan, a formal framework for repopulation decisions, a countywide model for volunteer and donation management, and integrated data systems for reaching vulnerable populations. Consultants recommended formalizing plans, systems, and leadership structures for key recovery aspects such as communication, volunteer coordination, repopulation, sheltering, and public health.
Supervisor Lindsay Horvath emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, "Fire survivors deserve the very best protection and support from their government—and they deserve action. There are lessons to be learned, gaps to close, and changes we must make." Supervisor Kathryn Barger pledged to ensure accountability, asserting, "I want every recommendation to have a responsible department, a clear timeline, and a way for the Board and public to measure whether it is actually operational."
The report also noted that several recommendations from the 2018 Woolsey fire review remained unaddressed, impacting the county's response effectiveness. For instance, establishing a process for online donations, a previously recommended measure, was delayed for weeks after the 2025 fires, missing peak public interest. While acknowledging swift operations in areas like debris removal and information dissemination, the report stressed the need for updated, formalized plans and clear authorities to prepare for future disasters.
