For over 1 million years, we have been able to create fire, providing a significant leap in our societal evolution. Though in all the time since, we have never truly been able to control fire. It remains a dangerous and often unpredictable threat to life and property. The Greater Los Angeles area suffered from fire devastation in January of 2025. Two large wildfires destroyed major parts of Pacific Palisades and Altadena. The heritage present in both locations is significant.
This is just one more desperate call to the members of the heritage conservation community and our partners. Modern fire suppression systems must be integrated into the existing fabric of heritage sites. From the tragedy of the Los Angeles fires, there is also hope. I will examine four different cases from these horrific fires: the loss of the Will Rogers Ranch house, the pure luck that saved the Eames House, the saving of the Getty Villa through their installed emergency fire suppression system, and the plans for the Gamble House (though not seriously threatened by these fires) to address its need for protection from the threat of fire.
I will remain focused on the impact of fire specifically, however threats from enhanced climate change fueled disasters are only becoming more frequent and more intense. The need to defend against these disasters is beyond urgent, but also, the need to be prepared for how to recover in the event of loss.
