L.A. Devastated by Wildfires

Picture the west end of Richmond: the schools, houses, parks, restaurants and small businesses. Now, imagine that whole area reduced to ash and dust in less than twenty-four hours. An eerily similar image is seared into the memories of Pacific Palisades residents like Mr. Neil Godsey ’88.

Last month, his neighborhood was devastated by weeks of roaring wildfires, which destroyed thousands of homes, displaced tens of thousands of residents and led to numerous fatalities. According to Los Angeles County officials, the death toll reached 29 by the end of the month (NBC News). Furthermore, it’s just one of many infernos that ravaged areas of L.A. County in January (e.g. the Hughes and Eaton fires).

While the idea of our neighborhoods burning down is merely a chilling thought, this situation is the harsh reality for those living in the Palisades. Mr. Godsey, a St. Christopher’s alumnus, was personally affected by the damage. His house is intact, but smoke damage has made it uninhabitable for weeks. And, while it’s still standing, there are “10-20 houses burned to ash within 100 yards of [his].” According to Mr. Godsey, “the physical damage sustained is incomprehensible.” He speculates it will take years for Los Angeles to fully recover and that the damage extends far beyond above-ground structures.

In addition to thousands of buildings, many essential utilities like sewage systems, gas lines and pipes are out of commission as well. There are also estimates that one to three feet of topsoil will need to be removed from the ground’s surface during reconstruction efforts to remove all debris. This debris is covered in the hazardous ash of the fires, (L.A. Times) which city officials are trying to prevent from polluting the ground and water supplies.

Economically, the city is forecasted to struggle. According to Ohio University Professor and economic expert Roberto Duncan, the total impact is estimated to be between $250 and $275 billion in losses. These numbers alone make the wildfire the most economically detrimental natural disaster in American history. And, along with dollar losses for the state markets (like insurance), housing and employment will also be impacted significantly in the long run by such destruction. Experiencing a wildfire seems unfathomable, especially for those on the East Coast.

While as an STC community we’re unable to help with in- person rebuild efforts, numerous on-campus organizations have worked to make a difference for those in California. Reverend Paul Evans ’01 and the Upper School Missionary Society have worked with the other divisional chaplains and missionary societies to plan support initiatives for fire victims. In addition to prayers during morning chapel, there has also been fundraising for L.A. County schools struggling to recover from the disaster. One of such is Calvary Christian School, which was completely destroyed by the fires. The Middle School has raised money to aid Calvary Christian, which was also where Mr. Godsey’s children attended.

The charred footprint of the Los Angeles fires will continue to leave an imprint on the Palisades for years to come. Though rebuilding and construction will take place, it’s hard to imagine that residents like Mr. Godsey won’t continue to bear the burden of their loss in some way. However, the banding together of communities both in and outside of California provides optimism for the area’s future.