As January fires spread to densely populated areas near UCLA’s Westwood border and impacted the lives of students, faculty, staff and large parts of Altadena and Pacific Palisades, the Bruin community sprang into action. From donating space at Research Park for the Disaster Recovery Center to staff members working to preserve trees in Altadena, faculty and students in nearly every field, from environmental studies and urban planning to medicine to psychology and biology, have been providing expert analysis, guidance and hands-on assistance.

This important work continues. Trail cameras placed by researchers after the fires show bobcats, coyotes, owls and other animals returning to the Chaney Trail Corridor northwest of Eaton Canyon. Faculty members and students from the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering are developing research aimed at mitigating future wildfire devastation, including soil testing and hazardous waste safety. A new Urban Water Supply + Fire working group has been launched to strengthen water supply infrastructure, resilience and post-fire recovery.

Newsroom is taking a look back at the people, places and rebuilding efforts that have aided the region’s recovery in the months following the fires.

February 2026


How the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health faced the challenge of the 2025 wildfires
The work of faculty, staff and students has included the largest ongoing study of the fires’ public health impact, tracking the health of firefighters, training recovery and construction workers on how to do their work safely, and bringing free health and safety testing into communities hit the hardest. (Feb. 11)

January 2026


How can we chart a safer path forward in the wake of the historic LA fires?
UCLA hosted the first annual LA Fire Research Conference to answer that question — convening researchers from across the U.S., agencies and survivors. (Jan. 16)

One year after the L.A. fires, UCLA engineers advance fire mitigation efforts
Work launched in the immediate aftermath of the January 2025 blazes continues to deliver practical insights and tools for wildfire risk reduction and disaster response. (

UCLA’s ‘Moment of Reflection’ marks the one-year anniversary of the LA fires
Members of the Bruin community came together on Jan. 7 for a moving ceremony of remembrance, music and acts of healing. (Jan. 7)

A sixth-generation Altadena resident presents a community recovery roadmap after the fires
Sam James and the Altadena Recovery Team meet survivors’ needs and push for policy-informed advocacy. (Jan. 7)

On first anniversary of L.A. wildfires, health effects linger, but progress continues
One year later, UCLA Health experts say long-term threats to lung health, mental well-being and overall community wellness remain. (Jan. 6)

December 2025


UCLA, community partners support Altadena fire recovery with free soil testing
They held an event to test soil samples from neighborhoods hit hard by the 2025 wildfires for lead and other contaminants. (Dec. 12)

Archives of historic Jewish synagogue burned in LA fires are available at UCLA Library
Materials documenting nearly 100 years of community life at the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center have been preserved for the public. (Dec. 4)

November 2025


UCLA Magazine: Out of the ashes
The wildfires that devastated Los Angeles last January continue to raise profound questions. Bruin researchers are leading the way to mitigate future fire risk. (Nov. 19)

From Chancellor Julio Frenk: Rising to the call
The worst wildfires in the history of Southern California called for action and solutions. I am proud UCLA has offered both. (Nov. 19)

cityLAB-UCLA showcases prefab housing options and publishes guide to speed wildfire recovery in Altadena
The ongoing public showcase features examples of rapid-install modular homes. (Nov. 6)

October 2025


Eaton Fire disrupted education, created instability in lives of children and youth in foster care, study shows
New research by the UCLA Pritzker Center for Children and Families examined the impact on the disaster on the educational experiences of children and youths involved with the child welfare system. (Oct. 29)

UCLA, community partners help Altadena fire recovery through free soil testing
A team of UCLA researchers is joining with community partners to test soil samples from neighborhoods hit hard by the blazes. (Oct. 27)

Millions of Californians struggle with costs of housing, health care, latest California Health Interview Survey shows
The annual data release also highlights the health effects of wildfires, access to health care, hate incidents, among hundreds of other topics. (Oct. 9)

Building resilient utilities: UCLA issues report on key water and power infrastructure needs
Smart meters and undergrounding power lines are among promising innovations in addressing climate and fire risks. (Oct. 7)

September 2025


UCLA-led research reveals extent of L.A. and California wildfires’ impact on air quality
An analysis of air quality data sources and a study of tiny airborne particles aim to help people make safer choices during fires. (Sept. 4)

UCLA-led team installs air quality monitoring network in western L.A. County as part of fire recovery efforts
The nonprofit-funded project provides real-time information to residents about air quality and safety as reconstruction progresses. (Sept. 23)

August 2025


UCLA Fielding-led team trains construction workers on respirator use in aftermath of 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires
The team has trained more than 300 workers under a state contract to support debris cleanup and reconstruction. (Aug. 29)

Palisades, Altadena cleanup zones had metals in the air months after fires, UC team finds
Air samples collected in March and April 2025 showed traces of metals. (Aug. 28)

More than 11,000 workers filed for unemployment assistance programs because of Los Angeles wildfires, new report shows
Between 30% and 40% of workers who were potentially impacted by the fires filed for UI benefits. (Aug. 25)

UCLA researchers unveil AI-powered tool for near real-time, large-scale wildfire fuel mapping
The new system could help enhance nationwide wildfire preparedness by combining satellite imagery with artificial intelligence. (Aug. 15)

Human-caused climate change is expanding California’s destructive fire seasons
Global warming has advanced wildfire season from one to almost seven weeks earlier, a new UCLA study shows. (Aug. 8)

Exploration of Indigenous fire practices a ‘living land acknowledgment’
A Fowler Museum exhibition offers reflection and recovery post-Los Angeles wildfires and serves as an important gesture to native communities. (Aug. 4)

July 2025


UCLA-led team installs air quality monitoring network in western L.A. County as part of fire recovery efforts
The nonprofit-funded project provides real-time information to residents about air quality and safety as reconstruction progresses. (July 23)

June 2025


How watching birds for 10 minutes a week can help climate scientists this summer
UCLA’s annual Project Phoenix aims to document how birds change their behavior when there’s more wildfire smoke. (June 27)

UCLA experts guide commission’s L.A. fire recovery and rebuilding recommendations
More than 40 scholars contributed their expertise to the independent commission, which issued its final recommendations. (June 20)

May 2025


Innovation Challenge brings solutions for data center energy use, wildfire risk and soil health
Student startups pitched sustainability initiatives during the Easton Technology Management Center’s cross-campus program. (May 12)

April 2025


What’s next for the Southwest’s yo-yo weather? Daniel Swain ‘Office Hours’
The UCLA climate scientist explores California’s weather and wildfire outlook. (April 29)

How safe is L.A.’s post-fire soil? UCLA’s Sanjay Mohanty is helping homeowners get the information they need
The engineer is teaming with the civic initiative Community Action Project–Los Angeles to provide free analyses for fire-impacted residents. (April 25)

How UCLA engineers are aiding L.A.’s wildfire recovery and addressing post-fire hazards
UCLA Samueli School of Engineering faculty and students are helping with CAP.LA free soil testing following the wildfires. (April 23)

UCLA experts are monitoring wildlife recovery in Eaton 'burn scar'
UCLA researchers are taking part in the effort to monitor plant and wildlife recovery in the Chaney Trail Corridor, located Northwest of Eaton Canyon. (April 9)

UCLA launches urban water supply and wildfire research network
To address this critical issue, UCLA’s Climate & Wildfire Research Initiative is launching a new Urban Water Supply + Fire working group. for disaster preparedness. (April 9)

Are we already doomed by climate change?
Despite the recent fires, Michael Jerrett says we can reverse the current trends of cataclysmic climate change. (April 8)

UCLA researchers team up with L.A. County Fire Department to investigate possible source of cancer risk
Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of a cancer diagnosis and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared with the general population. (April 7)

Understanding how wildfires affect California’s kelp ecosystems
Studying wildfire-impacted kelp deepened UCLA doctoral student Lori Berberian’s commitment to environmental science. (April 4)

March 2025


UCLA’s LPPI and Luskin host panel on Los Angeles wildfire recovery
Leading voices in politics, media and planning came together to provide an overview of local recovery efforts. (March 26)

UCLA partners with Urban Land Institute and USC on roadmap for rebuilding after the L.A. fires
The Project Recovery roadmap — a comprehensive plan aimed at helping to guide Los Angeles–area rebuilding efforts in the wake of January’s wildfires — provides actionable recommendations to support a more resilient future. (March 25)

Southwest’s drought and fire outlook with UCLA’s Daniel Swain
Get updates on the forecast for wildfires, droughts and precipitation in California and the greater Southwest. (March 18)

How UCLA engineers are aiding L.A.’s wildfire recovery and addressing post-fire hazards
From assessing the removal of hazardous waste, toxic soil and debris to using AI in early fire detection, UCLA Samueli faculty and students are in the mix. (March 13)

February 2025


L.A.’s post-fire rebuilding – water edition
UCLA water and climate researchers provide comprehensive responses to questions about water for firefighting in urban environments. (Feb. 28)

Do urban water supply systems put out wildfires?
UCLA experts and colleagues provide answers to frequently asked questions about firefighting, water infrastructure, fire hydrants and more. (Feb. 27)

UCLA connects experts to new independent commission on fire recovery created by County Supervisor Horvath
Experts will provide L.A. civic leaders with the research-informed knowledge to create policy to inform ‘safe and resilient’ recovery. (Feb. 14)

One UCLA: How acts of kindness have kept Bruins connected to each other and L.A. amid tragedy
Wildfires carved an unprecedented trail of destruction through the city. The UCLA community has met the moment with generosity, support and a commitment to help Angelenos recover. (Feb. 14)

‘Community, connectivity and humanity’: Bruins at the disaster recovery center
More than 1,000 UCLA community members have volunteered to help out at the FEMA center at the UCLA Research Park. (Feb. 13)

‘Bruins Love LA’ event connects students to fire relief efforts
UCLA First Thursdays winter edition, held indoors due to rain, promoted support for the region’s recovery from wildfires. (Feb. 13)

Palisades fire first responders included LAFD battalion chiefs who are UCLA Extension alums
The chiefs honed their skills and obtained certified associate project manager certificates through the project management professional exam preparation in 2019. (Feb. 10)

UCLA ‘math circle’ program keeps instruction going for kids affected by fires
The Olga Radko Endowed Math Circle offered remote mathematics instruction. (Feb. 7)

Increased access to Asian American language assistance needed during emergencies
UCLA study of L.A. wildfires calls for improved multilingual disaster communications to overcome language barriers. (Feb. 6)

UCLA: L.A. wildfires caused as much as $164 billion in damages
UCLA Anderson economists Zhiyun Li and William Yu say the fires could also cause a loss of $4.6 billion to Los Angeles County’s GDP. (Feb. 4)

Moving forward after the Los Angeles fires
The fires may no longer be raging, but their impact on our health and communities continues. (Feb. 4)

January 2025


UCLA Extension director working to save trees that survived Eaton Fire
Stephanie Landregan of UCLA Extension is lending her expertise to recovery efforts in Altadena. (Jan. 29)

Altadena’s Black community disproportionately affected by Eaton fire
UCLA study shows systemic inequalities and redlining practices contributed to fire vulnerability and impacts. (Jan. 28)

After the fires: UCLA urban planner on disaster response and rebuilding
UCLA urban planning and disaster response expert Stephen Commins answers some of the most pressing questions. (Jan. 28)

Landslide risk after the fires
UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain gives updates on new SoCal fires, landslide risk for burn areas and ongoing risk of fires in February. (Jan. 24)

Air quality after the fires: Understanding where and when the air is safe
UCLA atmospheric and oceanic sciences professor Suzanne Paulson details how to limit exposure to dangerous particulates. (Jan. 24)

UCLA softball team brings comfort, clothing to fire evacuees
“I wanted to let them all know that people have their backs in this time of turmoil,” a team member said. (Jan. 21)

After the fires: UCLA urban planner on disaster response and rebuilding
UCLA urban planning and disaster response expert Stephen Commins answers some of the most pressing questions. (Jan. 18)

L.A. fires: Vegetation 25% drier due to climate change
UCLA climate scientists’ analysis links climate change to about a quarter of the extreme vegetation dryness when the Palisades and Eaton fires began. (Jan. 15)

Daniel Swain ‘Office Hours’: SoCal fires, outlook for wind and rain
Join UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain today for another conversation about the disastrous fires in Southern California. (Jan. 15)

UCLA donates space at UCLA Research Park for disaster recovery center run by FEMA, local and state agencies
The center will provide vital support and services for residents impacted by the fires. (Jan. 15)

Coping with the emotional toll of wildfires
Experts warn the deadly, destructive L.A. County fires could have lasting effects on mental health. (Jan. 14)

Pregnancy and air quality: How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke and pollution
Pregnant people, children, infants and those with underlying lung disease are particularly vulnerable to particulates from the L.A. fires. (Jan. 14)

Watch: UCLA leaders provide update on L.A. fires at town hall
UCLA leaders offered the latest information on campus and UCLA Health operations and resources for those affected by the fires. (Jan. 14)

Wildfires disproportionately impact Latino and other underserved L.A. communities
Data shows Latino workers are more often at risk of respiratory illness and income loss during fires. (Jan. 13)

L.A. fires: UCLA campus updates and resources
Find out about the current status of campus operations, instruction and emergency plans and see fire-related resources for students, faculty and staff. (Jan. 12)

UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk’s video message to the campus community about the wildfires
“Many in our community are facing unimaginable challenges right now,” the chancellor said. “We can get through this if we all stand together.” (Jan. 9)

A pulmonologist explains how to stay safe from wildfire pollution
A pulmonologist explains how to protect yourself with so much fire pollution in Los Angeles. (Jan. 9)

How you can help those impacted by the wildfires
As UCLA continues to focus on protecting students, faculty and staff, the university is encouraging those who able to donate funds and supplies and to volunteer in relief efforts. (Jan. 9)