LA County Seeks Feedback on Fire Recovery Efforts

Survey aims to improve disaster response and repopulation after devastating 2025 blazes.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Los Angeles County has launched a short, anonymous survey for residents affected by the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires in January 2025. The survey seeks feedback to inform an independent after-action review and help the county improve its disaster recovery and repopulation operations, including alert systems and support for displaced residents.

Why it matters

The January 2025 fires were among the most destructive in LA County history, burning over 37,000 acres, destroying more than 16,000 structures, and claiming 31 lives. The independent review has already identified issues with outdated policies, inconsistent practices, and communication vulnerabilities that hindered the county's response. Gathering firsthand accounts from affected residents is crucial to determining which recovery efforts need the most improvement.

The details

The survey, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete, is open to anyone who was evacuated, experienced property damage, used disaster shelters, tried to donate or volunteer, or otherwise interacted with the county's recovery services. Responses will be anonymized and used to enhance disaster preparedness, alert systems, and the management of resident repopulation efforts. The independent McChrystal Group review has already outlined potential improvements, from updating evacuation decision authority to modernizing communications, and the county wants residents' input to prioritize these changes.

  • The survey will be open through April 24, 2026.
  • The devastating Eaton and Palisades fires occurred on January 7, 2025.

The players

County of Los Angeles

The local government entity conducting the survey and independent review to improve disaster recovery efforts.

McChrystal Group

The independent consulting firm hired by the County of Los Angeles to conduct the after-action review of the 2025 fires.

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What’s next

The independent McChrystal Group review and the county's survey responses will be used to determine which recovery efforts and policy changes should be prioritized to better prepare for future disasters.

The takeaway

By gathering direct feedback from residents affected by the devastating 2025 fires, LA County is taking an important step to identify gaps in its disaster response and recovery efforts. Incorporating these firsthand accounts will help the county develop more effective policies, communication strategies, and support programs to better serve communities in the aftermath of emergencies.