Security industry unites for Los Angeles fire recovery webinar

In response to the devastating fires that recently ravaged the Los Angeles area, key organizations within the security industry are coming together to host a webcast aimed at supporting recovery efforts.

The Security Industry Association (SIA), in collaboration with the Electronic Security Association (ESA), The Monitoring Association (TMA) and the PSA Security Network, will present “L.A. Wildfires: Security’s Role in the Recovery and Rebuild” on Tuesday, March 18, at 2 p.m. EDT

The webinar will feature a diverse panel of experts, including security professionals, law enforcement officials, local government representatives and construction leaders. The discussion will focus on the current situation, recovery plans and the critical safety and security challenges that lie ahead.

Notably, the panel has been expanded to include a former Los Angeles police chief and officials directly involved in the ongoing recovery efforts.

The fires, which began in January 2025, have had a catastrophic impact on the Los Angeles region. The fires claimed at least 29 lives, forced over 100,000 residents to evacuate, and destroyed more than 16,000 homes and structures. The Palisades Fire alone burned approximatley 23,500 acres, leading to significant property loss and displacement. Lloyd’s of London estimates that the fires will result in $2.3 billion in insured losses.

In the aftermath, Los Angeles faces substantial challenges in rebuilding, particularly concerning insurance for high-risk properties. Major insurers, such as State Farm, have expressed reluctance to issue new policies without significant rate increases to cover escalating risks and costs. The situation complicates the recovery process for homeowners and businesses alike.

The webinar aims to educate the security industry about the current recovery plan and to begin a process for companies to contemplate potential involvement in such efforts. Moderated by SIA Senior Director of Marketing Geoff Kohl, featured panel members include:

• Michael Zatulov, president, Elite Interactive Solutions, and co-organizer of the Palisades Rebuild group with 2,000+ members including residents, businesses, contractors, officials and agencies
• Tom Stone, Los Angeles Police Department sergeant II, Metro Division, 26-year veteran; former U.S. Army sergeant major
• Mitch Tavera, Palisades Rebuild member; ex-police chief (39 years with El Segundo, California, Police Department)

The upcoming webcast is a dedicated effort to foster a united public-private partnership in response to this historic disaster. It aims to establish cooperation and best practices that can be deployed in future widescale tragedies. The event is not sponsored and carries no monetary or promotional interests, underscoring the industry’s commitment to supporting affected communities.

For more webcast details and to register, visit the official event page.