The aftermath of the recent Los Angeles fires has left neighborhoods in ruins, with residents desperate to clean up and start over. But the big question on everyone’s mind is: How long will it take?

Workers from the Environmental Protection Agency have already started removing dangerous items like batteries and paint cans from the charred remains. However, the cleanup process is far from quick. While some lots could be cleared in just a few days, experts estimate it might take up to 18 months to fully prepare all 12,000 destroyed homes for rebuilding. This timeline has left many homeowners worried they’ll be left waiting.

The issue took center stage when residents voiced their concerns to President Trump during a recent visit. He urged Mayor Karen Bass to speed things up, even suggesting the process could be completed in as little as 18 days. Bass, however, emphasized that safety measures are crucial and can’t be rushed.

For now, residents are left staring at the remnants of their homes—scorched beams, blackened trees, and piles of ash—as they wait for their chance to rebuild. The road ahead is long, but the hope is that each step brings them closer to reclaiming their lives.