The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have left a trail of destruction, impacting not only the residents but also the immigrant workforce that keeps the city running. Mayra Chacon, who runs Ocean Housekeeping, has seen her business lose over half its clients as fires destroyed numerous homes her team cleaned regularly. With limited English skills and few alternative job prospects, Chacon's employees, mostly Guatemalan and Mexican immigrants, now face uncertain futures. To mitigate the financial strain, Chacon offers discounts to attract new clients. The disaster underscores broader challenges faced by domestic workers, many of whom are undocumented and ineligible for public assistance. Organizations like IDEPSCA are working tirelessly to support these vulnerable groups, highlighting the need for long-term solutions.

As flames engulfed parts of Los Angeles, businesses like Ocean Housekeeping found themselves at a crossroads. Mayra Chacon, the owner of this cleaning service, employs individuals who arrived in the United States within the past six months. These workers, primarily from Guatemala and Mexico, clean multiple residences across LA, sending their earnings home each week. However, the wildfires that broke out earlier this month have drastically altered their lives. Over 50% of Ocean Housekeeping's clientele vanished overnight when fires razed 25 homes in the Palisades and another 10 in Altadena and Pasadena. Chacon's employees, unfamiliar with the English language, struggle to find alternative employment, exacerbating the situation. In response, Chacon introduced a 25% discount for new customers, hoping to secure more jobs and maintain payroll.

The wildfires have had far-reaching consequences beyond individual businesses. They have exposed the vulnerabilities of immigrant workers in Los Angeles, particularly those in domestic labor. Maegan Ortiz, executive director of Instituto de Educacion Popular del Sur de California (IDEPSCA), emphasized that these workers often lack social protections and are paid daily, making them especially susceptible during crises. Many were already facing precarious living conditions before the fires. According to a 2020 UCLA study, approximately one-third of California's domestic workforce resides in LA County, totaling over 100,000 individuals. Most are immigrants and women of color from Latin America and the Philippines. The aftermath of previous fires, such as the 2018 Woolsey fire, revealed that over half of surveyed workers permanently lost their jobs. This pattern raises concerns about the long-term recovery plans for essential workers once the fires subside.

Beyond cleaning services, other sectors have also suffered significant setbacks. Amit Mohan, a plumber with three decades of experience in the Palisades area, experienced an 80% drop in business following the fires. He must now rely on savings to cover expenses, while worrying about the homeowners he has befriended over the years. Bryan Yepez, who manages a landscaping business in Altadena, faces similar challenges. The Eaton fire has decimated nearly half of his regular client base, forcing him to cancel appointments even outside the burn zones due to hazardous conditions. The accumulation of ash and toxic chemicals complicates operations, leaving Yepez contemplating layoffs.

Labor organizers see this crisis as an opportunity to advocate for better protections for low-wage essential workers. Megan Foronda, a community organizer with the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (Nafcon), highlighted the importance of hazard pay, unemployment compensation, and healthcare benefits. Many Filipino caregivers have lost both their jobs and homes, continuing to work without adequate medical equipment. Nafcon has mobilized to provide relief kits and wellness checks, underscoring the need for broader support systems. Grassroots efforts have gained momentum, with non-profits and activists launching fundraisers to assist affected workers. Initiatives like Inclusive Action for the City’s emergency fund offer immediate cash payments, while the National Domestic Workers Alliance collects donations for personal protective equipment and basic supplies. Together, these actions demonstrate the power of community solidarity in times of crisis.

The wildfires have reshaped the landscape of Los Angeles, revealing deep-seated inequities and the resilience of its immigrant workforce. As communities come together to rebuild, the focus shifts toward ensuring comprehensive support for those most affected. The plight of domestic workers and small business owners highlights the urgent need for policies that address both immediate relief and long-term recovery. Through collective action, there is hope that the city can emerge stronger, fostering a more inclusive and resilient future for all its residents.