Task force coordinator Erik Ghenoiu welcomes everyone and briefly outlines fire-management projects currently underway at SCI-Arc.

03:12. The moderator of the panel, Io Wright, co-founder of PostFireLA.org, describes resources his organization provides, and introduces the next speaker.

06:37. Ricardo Roldán, principal of Roble Hill Studio, reviews in detail structural issues confronting anyone considering re-using elements of their homes that have survived – specifically foundations, chimneys, masonry walls, and retaining walls. Structural tests and expert assessments are often required, and retrofitting older elements to meet current standards is often more expensive than new construction. He also mentions that the Army Corps of Engineers’ debris removal program does not include everything that needs to be cleared.

23:27. Steven Fierce, Principal Architect at Bureau of Engineering, City of Los Angeles advises anyone interested in rebuilding to seek help, and specifically seek out an architect. He describes the rebuilding after the 1993 Laguna fire as a missed opportunity. A failure that we can avoid repeating.

36:26. Nate Wittasek, Principal, Vice President at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, describes how the 2025 Eaton fire, fueled by strong wings in a densely populated area, released toxins (lead, arsenic, mercury, asbestos, synthetics) and contaminated soil and water in areas far from the fires. He warns people that the rebuilding process is historically slow. He affirms that there are strategies for home hardening plus defensible space (fuel reduction) that are practical and effective.

At 52:43, the panelists respond to audience comments and questions.