Spatial Disparities in Fire Shelter Accessibility: Capacity Challenges in the Palisades and Eaton Fires

TL;DR

This study analyzes spatial disparities and capacity challenges in wildfire shelter accessibility during the 2025 Palisades and Eaton Fires in California, highlighting shortages and inequities that impact evacuation safety.

Contribution

It evaluates shelter accessibility during major wildfires, identifies spatial disparities, and proposes strategic placement approaches to improve emergency refuge access.

Findings

Severe shelter shortages during the fires

Pronounced inequities in shelter access in isolated regions

Shelter placement strategies can improve accessibility and equity

Abstract

The increasing frequency and severity of wildfire in California, exacerbated by prolonged drought and environmental changes, pose significant challenges to urban community resilience and equitable emergency response. The study investigates issues of accessibility to shelters during the Palisades and Eaton Fires which started in January 2025 in Southern California that led to over 180,000 displacements and the loss of 16,000 structures. Despite coordinated efforts of many organizations' emergency assistance, shelter shortages left many evacuees without safety or accessible refuge. This research aims to measure shelter accessibility during the fires' peak, evaluate whether existing shelter capacity met the demand, and identify spatial disparities in access. Findings reveal severe shelter shortages and pronounced inequities in access to shelters, particularly in geographically isolated regions and mountainous areas. To address these challenges, we implemented shelter placement strategies using both capacity-based and distance-based approaches, demonstrating potential improvements in accessibility and equity. The findings underscore the critical need for strategic shelter planning and infrastructure development to enhance disaster readiness and reduce vulnerability in regions that frequently experience wildfires.