Olympic Games feels like a world away, but one expert says the city of Los Angeles will still be rebuilding by the time the mega-event comes to town.

Rebuilding areas ravaged by wildfires will present a daunting challenge, but the flip side could be the “compelling image of a city emerging from the ashes.”

The Los Angeles wildfire disaster has cast a shadow over preparations for the 2028 Olympics, raising questions over whether the city can deliver a safe and successful Games. So far, none of the more than 80 venues due to stage Olympic competition in Los Angeles have been directly affected by the infernos that have left at least 24 people dead and reduced entire neighborhoods to smoldering ruins.