FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: lppipress@luskin.ucla.edu
New UCLA Analysis Demonstrates Economic and Workforce Vulnerabilities Among Latinos Affected by Wildfires in Los Angeles County
The data brief is the second LPPI research publication to examine the full scope of wildfire impacts on Latino communities in Southern California.
LOS ANGELES (January 15, 2025) – As wildfires continue to ravage parts of Los Angeles County, a new data brief from the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute (LPPI) in collaboration with the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge reveals the severe and disproportionate impact these disasters have on Latino communities, particularly their workforce. The analysis, which builds on previous LPPI research released last week, underscores the vulnerability of Latino workers and residents in key evacuation zones.
The data highlights that at least 35,000 jobs held by Latinos are at risk due to the ongoing fires. While Latinos make up just 23% of the population across these zones, they account for 36% of the workforce in affected areas. This is particularly evident in the Palisades Fire zone, where Latinos hold 34% of the jobs despite comprising only 7% of the population in the area.
Other findings from the report include:
- Limited remote work opportunities contribute to economic instability: Only 7% of Latino workers in Los Angeles County are able to work remotely, compared to 22% of white workers. This disparity means that many Latino workers in industries like retail, service, and manual labor face greater risks of job disruptions during wildfire-related evacuations.
- Vulnerable industries: Latino workers are disproportionately employed in industries and occupations that require physical presence, including household work, which is largely held by Latinos. Approximately 85% of household workers in Los Angeles are Latino, and many of these workers are self-employed entrepreneurs, making them ineligible for unemployment benefits and adding to their economic instability during the wildfires.
- Latinos will play a central role in recovery efforts: Latinos are critical to rebuilding efforts, especially in the construction sector, where they represent 84% of the workforce. Their contributions will be essential in repairing homes and infrastructure in the aftermath of the wildfires. However, this critical role may put them at risk of exposure to toxic chemicals and other hazards at burned sites, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures and protections.
“As we continue to assess the long-term effects of the wildfires, it is critical that recovery efforts prioritize Latino communities, who not only face immediate risks but will also play a central role in rebuilding Los Angeles,” said Dr. Silvia R. González, co-author of the study and co-director of research at LPPI. “Ensuring these workers are protected and supported during and after the crisis is essential to an equitable recovery.”
The report – which Dr. González co-authored with Chhandara Pech and Dr. Paul Ong – also points to the crucial role of Latinos in sectors like construction, where they represent the overwhelming majority of the workforce. As communities begin to rebuild, Latino workers will be essential in the reconstruction of homes and infrastructure.
LPPI remains committed to providing timely and data-driven analysis to guide public policy and disaster response efforts. This new data reinforces the need for targeted support and inclusion of underserved Latino communities in both recovery efforts and long-term policy planning.
You can read the data brief here and our previous research on the impact of the wildfires here.
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About UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute:
The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute is a non-partisan research institute that seeks to inform, engage, and empower Latinos through innovative research and policy analysis. LPPI aims to promote equitable and inclusive policies that address the needs of the Latino community and advance social justice. latino.ucla.edu.
