Santa Rosa Fires Provide Valuable Learning Experience For LA Wildfire Recovery

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la-fires-nbc-news

The devastating 2017 Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa, which destroyed over 1,500 homes, provided a harsh but valuable learning experience for disaster recovery. Now, as Los Angeles grapples with its own recent wildfires, officials are turning to Santa Rosa for guidance.

One key lesson learned was the potential for water contamination after a wildfire. Santa Rosa discovered benzene in its water system after the Tubbs Fire, a previously undocumented issue. This knowledge has prompted immediate water advisories in Los Angeles.

Santa Rosa’s recovery, while challenging, is considered largely successful, with most homes rebuilt and infrastructure repaired. Key to this success was a phased approach, transparent communication with residents, and a streamlined rebuilding process. The city also emphasized the importance of debris removal, addressing infrastructure damage like melted storm drains, and tackling unexpected issues like water contamination.They stressed the need for detailed record-keeping of damage and expenses.

The Tubbs Fire also highlighted the emotional toll of rebuilding, prompting Santa Rosa to create a dedicated center to assist residents with the process. The city adopted expedited reviews and waived fees to ease the burden. While debates arose about rebuilding in fire-prone areas, Santa Rosa ultimately allowed homeowners to rebuild, focusing on supporting their return.

The experience has made Santa Rosa more resilient. City officials are now sharing their “lived experience” with Los Angeles, offering a playbook for navigating the long and complex road to recovery.