Since 1991, wildfires have destroyed over 50,000 structures in the U.S., displacing tens of thousands of people for months, years — or even permanently. Why is post-fire recovery so slow?
Crystal Kolden, Associate Professor of Fire Science at UC Merced, breaks down the key barriers — including regulatory roadblocks, infrastructure loss and worsening housing shortages — that make wildfire recovery significantly slower than other disasters. With many communities still struggling to rebuild years later, Kolden also explores how social inequities, underinsurance and post-fire gentrification further marginalize vulnerable populations — and what strategies can help build more fire-resilient communities.
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