California’s wildfires have become more frequent and severe in recent years, affecting people from all walks of life. In the most recent 2025 California wildfires, the media largely focused on the destruction of celebrity homes in Malibu and Pacific Palisades. However, there was massive destruction in less wealthy communities, such as Pasadena and Altadena. These communities are important to highlight because many residents – particularly those from Altadena – have fewer resources and have been building generational wealth for decades. For many of these residents, reconstructing their lives will be more difficult than it might be for wealthier people. On a basic level, they might struggle with finding places to stay or paying bills while dealing with the fallout from the fires.
According to AP News, in Altadena, Black and Latino families make up 45% of the total population. Many of these families have lived there for generations and are now facing uncertainty as the cost of rebuilding is out of reach. For many Altadena residents, the loss was not just of a house, but of a community they had worked hard to build.
AP News writes about how Samantha Santoro, a first generation college student, who described how frustrating it was to see the media focus on celebrity loss while families in places like Altadena were also suffering. Her family lived in a modest home with affordable rent before losing their home to the fires. Now the family is staying with relatives.
According to AP News, many people, including longtime resident like Kenneth Snowden, are worried about the future. Snowden lost two homes in the fire and fears that developers will take advantage of the destruction to make luxury homes that many current residents will not be able to afford. This is especially concerning in communities like Altadena where many residents have been able to build wealth through homeownership. Snowden called for government support to allow residents to rebuild without being pushed out.
The wildfires of 2024 and 2025 also highlight the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures and earlier snowmelt have made California’s fire seasons longer and more intense. Over the past few years, California has seen some of the largest fires in its history. California ARB notes that these extreme conditions make it harder for all communities, regardless of wealth, to recover from the fires.
CNN discusses how the challenges of rebuilding are made worse by insurance problems, with many low-income families unable to afford enough coverage. In areas like Altadena, where people were already struggling with high costs, the fires have left them facing even more financial hardship. Insurance companies are often slow to pay out and sometimes offer much less than what’s needed to rebuild. As a result, many people have to make tough choices about what to do next. While the state and federal governments have promised help, it’s often too slow, leaving people waiting for support that might never come.
The California wildfires demonstrate how environmental disasters can affect anyone, but recovery is often harder for those with fewer financial resources. While celebrities may have the means to weather hardships and rebuild, many working-class and minority communities are left struggling. These fires highlight the need for more support for all affected communities, making it clear that recovery should be fair and inclusive for everyone. In short, wildfire aid must be directed to the neighborhoods that need it most.
