The January 2025 Los Angeles fires showed that fire and smoke damage can arrive in the middle of winter. The restoration company is asking homeowners not to stand down when summer ends.
LOS ANGELES, Calif., November 5, 2026: Green Planet Restoration of LA today called on Southern California homeowners to treat year-round wildfire risk as the new normal and to keep their fire and smoke readiness in place after the traditional fire season ends. The company, which responds to fire, smoke and water damage across Southern California, Washington and Florida, says the most damaging events no longer wait for summer.
Fire Risk No Longer Follows the Calendar
For years, many Californians prepared for wildfire in summer and relaxed in winter. The Palisades Fire changed that picture for Los Angeles. According to CAL FIRE’s incident record, it started on January 7, 2025, burned 23,448 acres in Los Angeles County, destroyed 6,845 structures and damaged 975 more. The Eaton Fire started the same day.
Strong Santa Ana wind events often arrive in fall and winter. When they meet dry vegetation, a fire can spread quickly, and smoke can reach neighborhoods far from the flames.
What Green Planet Restoration of LA Recommends
The company recommends keeping these habits in place through fall and winter:
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Keep defensible space maintained after summer, especially before forecast wind events.
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Keep spare high-efficiency HVAC filters on hand for smoke days.
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Update photos or video of each room and its contents so a smoke or fire claim starts with a record.
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Review your homeowners policy for smoke damage, additional living expenses and contents coverage.
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Save the number of a fire and smoke restoration company before you need it.
Infographic
A winter wildfire: the Palisades Fire by the numbers
- 1Jan 7, 2025Start dateThe fire began in January, well outside the traditional summer season.
- 223,448Acres burnedBurned in Los Angeles County.
- 36,845Structures destroyedHomes, businesses and other buildings lost.
- 4975Structures damagedBuildings that survived with fire, smoke or heat damage.
If Fire or Smoke Reaches Your Home
Green Planet Restoration of LA’s team, led by Efraim Haim, CEO of Green Planet Restoration, advises homeowners not to run the HVAC system or start scrubbing walls until damage is assessed, because both can spread soot. Its crews respond within 45 minutes to secure damaged openings with emergency board-up services, assess residue and start fire damage cleanup and smoke odor removal. Haim was interviewed by ABC7 Los Angeles on wildfire smoke protection in September 2024, and the team’s smoke protection tips cover what to do during and after a fire.
Fire or smoke damage at your property? Call Green Planet Restoration of LA now for a crew within 45 minutes.
About Green Planet Restoration of LA
Green Planet Restoration of LA provides water damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, mold remediation, storm damage restoration, sewage cleanup, biohazard and trauma scene cleanup, hoarding cleanup, vandalism restoration, emergency board-up, roof tarping, reconstruction and contents pack-out. The company has branches in Southern California, Washington and Florida and responds to emergencies within 45 minutes. It’s In Our Nature. Learn more at greenplanetrestoration.com.
Wildfire Smoke Readiness in Santa Monica
Santa Monica borders the Pacific Palisades, where the Palisades Fire burned in January 2025, so smoke readiness is a practical concern on the Westside. Santa Ana winds push dry air from inland toward the coast, and ash and fine soot can settle in Santa Monica Canyon, North of Montana and Ocean Park even when the flames stay in the hills. Many homes here are older, with original materials, vents and windows that let fine particles reach attics and wall cavities. If smoke or soot reached your home, Green Planet Restoration of LA’s Westside crew handles fire damage restoration in Santa Monica and responds within 45 minutes. Call (310) 361-1286 for an assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wildfire season in Southern California really year-round now?
Fire danger is highest when dry vegetation meets strong winds, and in Southern California that can happen outside summer. The Palisades Fire started on January 7, 2025, during what many people considered the off-season. Homeowners should keep defensible space, smoke readiness and insurance records current through fall and winter.
References
- CAL FIRE. (n.d.). Defensible space. Ready for Wildfire. https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/defensible-space/
- CAL FIRE. (2026, April 9). Palisades Fire. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/palisades-fire
- CAL FIRE. (2026, August 6). Eaton Fire. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/eaton-fire
- California Department of Insurance. (n.d.). Resources to help recent wildfire victims. https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/WildfireResources.cfm
Featured image: AI-generated illustration.
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