LOS ANGELES, January 13, 2026 — Just seven homes have been rebuilt in Los Angeles County after wildfires destroyed 13,000 across the region, a statistic that’s drawing sharp criticism of local government and fueling political unrest.
A Prediction Comes True: Why Aren’t Homes Being Rebuilt?
The slow pace of rebuilding after devastating wildfires is sparking frustration and a reevaluation of political allegiances in Los Angeles.
- Podcaster Adam Carolla accurately predicted the lack of swift rebuilding efforts following the Palisades fire.
- Bureaucratic hurdles and permitting delays are major obstacles to reconstruction.
- The stalled rebuilding is becoming a political issue, with potential challengers emerging against incumbent officials.
- Some areas, like Malibu, have seen zero reconstruction, while others experience only minimal progress.
Adam Carolla isn’t a psychic, but the comedian and podcaster’s prediction from last January is proving eerily accurate. After fleeing the Palisades fire, Carolla bluntly stated he didn’t expect to see his home—or many others—rebuilt anytime soon. He attributed this not to the forces of nature, but to the glacial pace of Los Angeles bureaucracy.
“Do not expect any rebuilding. You guys have no idea what the permitting process is. You have no idea how much red tape there is and regulation,” Carolla said, reflecting on his earlier comments this week. “Oh, [local politicians are] gonna talk some kind of story about expediting things and making things easier and faster … it’s not gonna happen. This is Los Angeles. Karen Bass is the mayor. Nothing will be rebuilt.”
The assessment resonated with many, and a recent report by Grist.org underscored the severity of the situation. The publication’s chilling subhead read: “The wildfires destroyed 13,000 homes. In Los Angeles County, just seven have been rebuilt.” This stark reality has largely been ignored by mainstream late-night television, known for its political commentary.
Carolla, who has a background in carpentry, understands the complexities of home construction and the frustrating layers of regulation within California. He didn’t shy away from a pointed political observation, adding, “And then by the way, all you a** wipes that vote Democrat every year, when you don’t get your permit, maybe you should think about a different direction politically.”
Adam Carolla predicted a year ago there’d be no rebuilding after the LA fire!@adamcarolla “And then by the way, all you ass wipes that vote Democrat every year, when you don’t get your permit, maybe you should think about a different direction politically.
And that’s what I… pic.twitter.com/5FVUAaWWaJ
— jay plemons (@jayplemons) January 13, 2026
The lack of progress is fueling political challenges. Spencer Pratt, known for his reality television appearances, announced his candidacy for Mayor, driven by frustration with the city’s mismanagement. Pratt lost his home in the 2025 blaze. Meanwhile, Steve Hilton, a British-born millionaire, is polling well in the state’s gubernatorial race.
While Carolla noted some modest construction is underway in the Palisades and Altadena, other areas are facing complete stagnation. “Zero in Malibu,” he stated, observing that the area is marked by more graffiti than new construction.
