We at LMU CURes are deeply saddened by the destruction caused by the wind driven fires in the Los Angeles community. The loss of life and property is almost unimaginable in its scope. The dense urban communities of Los Angeles abutting the wildland-urban interface have always been at risk from traumatic environmental events. The severity of these fires was surprising, but their arrival has been predicted and modeled for years.
At this moment, when we all feel as though we are vulnerable Angelenos, there is an opportunity to bring community and ecology together. We can reshape our understanding of living in this dynamic landscape and rebuild our stricken communities. We can emerge from this challenge stronger, fire safe and more closely connected to the rhythms of Southern California weather.
The future is always uncertain, except we can expect that these kinds of natural disasters will continue and even intensify. Our collective capacity as a species has allowed us to develop strategies that are effective in shaping the built community to withstand and be resilient in the face of these disasters. The time is nigh to focus on collaboration and collective knowledge in order to shape a more livable and verdant Los Angeles.
We at the Center for Urban Resilience stand ready to assist and collaborate with communities as they reimagine and rebuild.
To get involved with recovery efforts and be helpful in the response to this crisis, please visit the resources below.
CBS News: How to Help Those Affected by Wildfires in LA County
NBC News: How You Can Help Those Affected by the Wildfires
Respectfully,
Eric Strauss, Michele Romolini, Lisa Fimiani, and Roya Shahnazari
Loyola Marymount University Center for Urban Resilience
Seaver College of Science and Engineering