The unprecedented Woolsey Fire—considered the worst disaster in modern Los Angeles County history—is racking up a tally of unimaginable losses: three civilians killed, three firefighters injured and 1,700 homes and businesses destroyed. One tracked mountain lion died as well as an untold number of other animals and wildlife. Los Angeles County officials have assessed damage to county property as well after the 14-mile-wide blaze swept through Ventura and Los Angeles counties, leaving a 150-square-mile footprint of destruction.
LA County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella told the Woolsey Fire Recovery Forum at King Gillette Ranch that three major watersheds were affected when 70,000 homes and businesses were threatened. Six roadside drains were destroyed; 66 were damaged. A bridge at Chesebro and the Mulholland bridge were destroyed—the asphalt was so hot it melted. Public works said it was putting up a temporary structure as soon as possible until a permanent bridge can be built.
LA Public Works is already rebuilding and restoring infrastructure, roads and buildings, including 24,000 linear feet of guardrail. When it comes to stemming possible mudslides and debris flow, the county has prioritized restoring safety measures destroyed in the fire. Thirty-two destroyed and 19 damaged little-known rail and timber structures that slow down debris before it reaches populated areas will be fixed, along with a whopping 600 burned traffic signs.
Attendees Thursday evening audibly gasped when Pestrella said a staggering 21,500 county-maintained trees were lost. This, of course, does not include trees burned on private property. Officials encourage homeowners to hire arborists to examine post-fire trees to ensure damaged trees do not become a hazard to homeowners. Burned trees can be damaged to the point they fall over. Some may be able to be nurtured back to health.