LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Los Angeles County Chair and First District Supervisor, Hilda L. Solis, issued the following statement marking the one-year anniversary of the January 2025 wildfires, ordering County flags to be flown at half-staff.

“Today, on the one-year anniversary of the January wildfires, we pause to reflect on the devastation that swept through parts of Los Angeles County and profoundly impacted our communities. In honor of this anniversary, I have requested that all County flags be flown at half-staff as we recognize the lives lost and livelihoods affected by these fires. Thousands of residents were displaced, forced to assess the damage, and rebuild their lives from the ground up.

Since the wildfires, our focus has shifted from immediate emergency response to long-term recovery and rebuilding. Through the LA County Forward Blueprint for Rebuilding, the County has partnered with state and federal agencies, community organizations, philanthropic groups, and private industry to remove barriers and support residents on the path home. Our efforts have prioritized making the rebuilding process more affordable and efficient, improving access to resources and approvals, and restoring infrastructure and services so families can recover with stability and opportunity. 

At the same time, our experience responding to the Eaton and Palisades wildfires has informed how we prepare for future emergencies. County departments have updated systems, strengthened evacuation planning and tools, expanded training, and explored new technologies to better protect communities as wildfire risks continue to grow. 

Immediately following the fires, I participated in multiple press conferences to share critical information with the public. I visited the Pasadena Convention Center, which had been converted into an emergency evacuation shelter, to donate food—made possible through a contribution from Northgate—and to connect directly with wildfire victims, provide resources, and support residents as they began the recovery process. I also visited Highway 39 at the Armory, where the California National Guard was stationed, to observe efforts to secure the foothills.

I helped establish the Pomona Fairplex as an evacuation site for wildfire survivors and their pets, including large animals such as horses and pigs. In addition, I worked closely with the County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to convert Bob Hope Patriotic Hall into an emergency shelter for displaced veterans and their families, while also designating it as an official site for donation and supply collection and distribution.

My office coordinated relief distributions across the First District—including at the East Los Angeles Civic Center, Los Angeles City College, and Irwindale Speedway—so impacted families could access essential items we helped secure, such as over 4,300 boxes of food, water, air purifiers, masks, blankets, clothing, emergency kits, feminine hygiene products, diapers, baby formula, pet food, and free laptops. Additionally, I supported the creation of a rent relief program to assist wildfire survivors and immigrant families affected by both the fires and ongoing federal challenges.

The damage was immense, but the care and support shown by neighbors, families, and community partners remind us that we stand together in times of crisis. Today, we honor all those affected and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring wildfire survivors have the resources and tools they need to rebuild their lives. 

May we move forward with renewed resilience and compassion as we work together to strengthen Los Angeles County for the future.”

For a progress report on what has been achieved over the past year, key lessons learned, and important information—including video resources—click here.