The process of clearing debris from the Palisades Fire burn zone is proceeding well ahead of schedule, but rebuilding the homes destroyed in the blaze will be a much slower process.
While Mayor Karen Bass has pointed to 1100 properties being cleared of debris in just 83 days, only 31 building permits have been approved, and actual construction is few and far between.
Tommy, a construction worker that’s been working in the burn zone, told KNX News’ Pete Demetriou that even when permits are granted, the cost of supplies for rebuilding can be shocking.
“The [cost of] material went too high now, and they don't wanna be wasting money on material that was cheaper before, so they're trying to see different routes on what can they do,” he said.
Labor costs could be another problem, with workers wanting premium prices to commit to the 5- to 7-month process of rebuilding a home.
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“Some of them are charging way too much,” Tommy said. “They try to take advantage of the situation, so that's a little bit harder as well.”
More than 6000 structures were destroyed in the Palisades Fire.
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