Jacob Soboroff, a well-known national and political correspondent for NBC News, has recently announced a new book deal with HarperCollins. The book will delve into the devastating wildfires that ravaged his hometown of Pacific Palisades and Altadena in January.
Titled “Firestorm: The Great Los Angeles Fires and America’s New Age of Disaster,” the book is scheduled to be released on January 6, 2026, just a day before the one-year anniversary of the start of the destructive fires.
Soboroff’s partnership with Peter Hubbard, senior VP, and publisher of HarperCollins imprint Mariner Books, marks a significant collaboration. The duo previously worked together on Soboroff’s 2020 nonfiction bestseller, “Separated: Inside an American Tragedy,” which was later adapted into a documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Errol Morris.
Hubbard expressed his admiration for Soboroff’s ability to blend thorough reporting, human-centered storytelling, and a comprehensive understanding of the broader implications of events like the L.A. fires. He believes that “Firestorm” will be a defining account of the 2025 Los Angeles fires.
Soboroff plans to focus the book on a specific two-week period, from the inception of the fires on January 7 to January 24, when President Donald Trump visited the Palisades with California Governor Gavin Newsom to survey the aftermath. The book aims to provide a detailed timeline of the events and capture the experiences of survivors, first responders, and others affected by the fires that claimed over 20 lives and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings.
In an interview with Variety, Soboroff emphasized the journalistic endeavor behind “Firestorm” and its reflection on societal and national responses to disasters. Drawing parallels to his motivation for writing “Separated,” Soboroff highlighted the role of events like the L.A. fires in exposing systemic issues and inequalities.
As a native of the Pacific Palisades area, Soboroff’s personal connection to the fires adds a poignant layer to his storytelling. Witnessing the destruction unfold in his childhood neighborhood prompted him to consider the future implications of such disasters for his own children.
The upcoming book promises to offer a compelling narrative that delves into the intersection of disaster and inequality, drawing on Soboroff’s firsthand experiences and in-depth research. With his unique perspective and dedication to storytelling, “Firestorm” is poised to be a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges posed by natural disasters in today’s world.
Soboroff’s representation by CAA further solidifies his position as a respected voice in journalism and nonfiction storytelling. As he continues to shed light on pressing issues through his work, “Firestorm” is set to be a powerful addition to the conversation around disaster response and resilience.
