Overview
- A UC Berkeley poll found that fewer than 25% of Los Angeles County residents are considering leaving due to January's wildfires, with only 9% seriously contemplating it.
- The Palisades and Eaton fires destroyed over 13,000 homes, forced 200,000 evacuations, and caused property losses estimated between $76 billion and $131 billion.
- Residents' confidence in recovery efforts heavily influences their decision to stay, with 44% of those lacking confidence considering relocation compared to just 9% of those with high confidence.
- The fires caused widespread health and mental stress, with 40% of respondents reporting smoke-related health issues and 30% experiencing high stress, particularly women and parents.
- Political and economic divides shape residents' outlooks, with conservatives and workers in fire-affected sectors more likely to consider moving and express dissatisfaction with leadership.