California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other Los Angeles city leaders held an event Monday morning marking six months since the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires killed more than two dozen people and decimated entire communities. 

All of the officials who spoke at the event started by thanking firefighters, first responders and other members who helped during the fires and debris removal. LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger called them the "true heroes" who risked their lives and helped the city begin the rebuilding process. 

Both of the fires erupted on Jan. 7, forcing tens of thousands to flee in the midst of a severe windstorm that fueled the rapid spread of the flames. By the time both blazes were finally contained, they combined for 37,469 acres burned, 30 people killed, 16, 251 structures destroyed and more than 2,000 buildings damaged.

"I think it goes without saying that disasters test us. I think that at this moment it is appropriate to remind ourselves that there are people that are not here," Newsom said. "Thirty lives were lost because of this tragedy."

In the months since Angelenos have rallied to support the impacted communities with a litany of events as they rebuild where their lives were so suddenly uprooted. Newsom said that recovery is what defines us it is important how Los Angeles has been responding to the fires.

He highlighted several accomplishments that have been met in the last six months, including what he called the "fastest fire recovery in terms of debris removal in modern history" by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He added that the region secured 100% reimbursement from FEMA under the Biden administration, more than $3 billion in support from FEMA and the Small Business Administration and has advanced 23 executive orders to accelerate the rebuilding process. 

Newsom explained that the work that has been done is a result of collaboration between all levels of government. 

On Sunday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass shared a release detailing some of the statistics on the ongoing recovery efforts, which she says are "on track to be the fastest in modern California history."

"Months ahead of expectations, nearly 80% of residential properties in the City of L.A. that were destroyed by the Palisades Fire have been cleared of debris and have received final sign-off, a required step in the rebuilding process. More than 1 million tons of debris have been removed," the release said. 

Bass also said that 200 of the 640 building plans submitted to the city's Department of Building and Safety for Pacific Palisades properties have been approved.  

Bass was expected to attend the event, but Deputy Mayor Rachel Freeman said due to "an emerging event," the mayor was not able to join. Freeman gave remarks on behalf of Bass. 

"We are here today because six months ago our city was hit by a massive firestorm that brought hurricane-force winds on the heels of months of drought, devastating the Palisades and sweeping through Malibu and Altadena with catastrophic results," Freeman said. 

Los Angeles County officials say they have received 1,013 rebuilding permits, the majority of which are located in the Eaton Fire zone. For lots that are not rebuilding, there has been an influx of properties listed for sale, with prices ranging from under $300,000 in Altadena to over $3 million in the Pacific Palisades.

Barger said the county will have a roadmap that will help residents navigate the next phase of recovery. She said it will be called "LA County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding," and it will house resources for people to utilize.