Wildfires

Claire Contreras, an elementary school teacher, reflects on the challenges of trying to find long-term places to stay after losing her home.

The fires in Los Angeles "could make this the costliest insured loss due to wildfires in history globally," said Karen Collins with the American Property Casualty Insurance Association.

There are roughly 75,000 people in Los Angeles experiencing homelessness, and those in the path of the fires face additional risks.

Devastation in LA and elsewhere has taught us what can help prevent catastrophes — more firefighters, improved water systems and mitigation.

As the California blazes demonstrate, the concentration of homes in urban areas raises risks and costs.

Federal firefighters make as little as $15 an hour. A permanent boost has bipartisan support, but it’s tied up in Congress' budget fight.

The rules include up-front housing vouchers and broader access to flexible, critical-needs payments in the aftermath of a disaster.

"California Burning" tells how the struggle to manage aging infrastructure, climate change and the bottom line can lead to disaster.

Tree trimming and brush clearing around a home can improve its chances of making it through a blaze — but those services can be costly.

Fires are unpredictable. They can spark anywhere, grow to any size and move in any direction, says Caroline Mimbs Nyce of The Atlantic.