More than a year after wildfires tore through parts of Los Angeles County, rebuilding efforts remain limited, with thousands of residents still displaced and construction progress trailing the scale of the damage.

The January 2025 fires destroyed or damaged at least 16,000 structures across the county, including homes, businesses, and other buildings.

“It has been more than a year since fires destroyed entire neighborhoods across the Los Angeles area,” said Jake Tapper.

He added, “By CNN count at least, at least 16,000 structures in LA County, 16,000 homes, businesses, other buildings, were destroyed or damaged in January 2025, because of the fires.”

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Fifteen months later, rebuilding activity remains limited compared to the scale of the losses.

“15 months later, LA County's permitting progress dashboard reports about 2000 building issues have been building permits have been issued,” Tapper said.

He continued, “Just over 1000 homes are currently under construction.”

Tapper then raised the question of completed rebuilding.

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“How many have been completed?” he asked. “Of the 16,ooo? Thirty, not 30,0oo. Thirty”

He also pointed to another issue affecting residents in the aftermath of the fires.

“And there's another story lurking in those grim numbers,” Tapper said.

“As CNN's Nick Watt discovered shockingly, all the losses have not stopped one of these homeowners associations from demanding 1000s of dollars from its members and giving them just about a month to pay up.”

For homeowners like Ryan Harmon, the challenges have extended beyond rebuilding delays.

“It’s just been the worst year ever, and this is the cherry on top,” Harmon said.

A video report described the situation facing residents in one affected community.

“52 homes in this community burned to the ground in January 25 many more damaged,” a Watt said. “Ryan Harmon had to flee... They still haven't moved back home.”

The report noted that Harmon has been dealing with multiple obstacles during the recovery process.

“Like so many. He's been dealing with, sometimes fighting with, insurance companies, mortgage companies, contractors,” Watt said. “And then a letter arrived from the homeowners' association.”

Harmon described his reaction to that letter.

“We were all like what you have to read the letter a few times to go,” he said. “Are they really saying that? Are they really threatening me?”

The letter outlined a financial demand tied to repairs within the community.

“Here's the letter from July, a demand for $23,614 to replace fences, irrigation, shrubs and trees,” Watt said.

The timeline for payment was also included in the notice.

“Just 34 days to pay or face late fees and interest,” Watt added. “For those with hardship or questions, please contact the management office for possible assistance.”

The report also indicated legal action had already been taken in at least one case.

“At least one lawsuit has been filed for non payment,” Watt said.

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The combination of slow rebuilding, ongoing construction challenges, and additional financial demands has left many residents navigating a prolonged recovery process more than a year after the fires.

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