Altadena Fire Recovery Information & Resources
The Altadena community is experiencing devastating impacts from the destructive and deadly Eaton Fire. To assist Altadena residents in finding the help and support they need now and in the long recovery period ahead, we have put together this information in response to frequently asked questions, including referrals to key resources offered by Los Angeles County.
Updates will be added as they become available.
Important Links
To view air quality monitoring data from the Altadena Golf Course, please click here: https://eatontdsr.fielddatasolutions.com/
To access Right of Entry opt-in and out forms, click here: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/roe
Learn about Phase 2 fire debris removal: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/phase-2
Download the hazardous tree waiver form: https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/lac/1178475_WaiverofHazardousTreeRemoval.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions
Altadena Community Meeting, March 10th
Altadena Golf Course Staging for Phase 2 Recycling Activities
The Altadena Golf Course is being used to recycle clean concrete and metal from fire-impacted properties. Fire and ash removed from private properties during the Phase 2 removal process is NOT being taken to the golf course, but direct to certified landfills. The EPA is also maintaining a small 75-ft diameter exclusion zone to continue processing batteries removed during the Phase 1 removal of household hazardous waste.
Seven acres of the golf course has been designated for this temporary operation through a lease agreement with Los Angeles County.
Click here to download a fact sheet about the Altadena Golf Course Temporary Debris Staging & Reduction Site.
The current and planned work consists of concrete and metals recycling. Concrete that is being processed here has tested negative for asbestos. The EPA is maintaining a small 75-ft diameter exclusion zone to continue processing batteries. This exclusion zone is buffered by a larger 330-ft diameter zone to allow for any potential off-gassing or battery reactions. The EPA is maintaining live air monitoring equipment in the area to ensure the area remains safe and can be returned to its original state when the site is ultimately decommissioned.
The following materials are prohibited on site:
- Ash and contaminated soil
- Asbestos-containing materials
- Household hazardous waste
- Municipal solid waste (household garbage)
- Tires and electronic waste
The following safety precautions will be taken in preparing the site and once work begins:
Noise Reduction
- Equipment will be fitted with noise-reducing mufflers.
- Crushing/grinding operations will be positioned to reduce noise.
- Operating hours are limited to 7 AM – 7 PM.
- Additional measures may include temporary noise barriers and acoustic shielding.
Security & Public Access
- Fenced perimeter with controlled access for authorized personnel only.
- Security staff and traffic control personnel will be on site.
Traffic & Truck Routes
- GPS-tracked trucks will follow designated haul routes.
- Flaggers and traffic control personnel will be stationed at key intersections.
- Primary Routes: Mendocino, Lake and Woodbury Streets to minimize neighborhood impact.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will implement strict dust control measures and real-time air quality monitoring to protect public health. Concrete that is being processed here has tested negative for asbestos.
- Water trucks and misting systems will suppress dust.
- Air monitors will track total dust including respirable particulates sized 2.5 to 10 microns.
- Perimeter monitoring stations will ensure compliance with air quality standards.
Handling of Fire Ash and Debris (from private property to landfills)
The EPA and US Army Corps are taking every precaution to maintain safety on site and as they transport debris from private properties directly to landfills. When removing fire ash and debris, the material is placed in the bed of a dump truck inside a heavy-duty plastic liner. This liner is tightly wrapped around the ash, and a tarp is then lowered over the truck to ensure the ash remains contained during transit. You will hear the Army Corps of Engineers teams call this process “burrito wrapping” because of the way the plastic is folded over itself to contain the debris.
The Army Corps of Engineers also utilizes the “wet method” for debris removal, which involves applying water and mist to keep ash on the ground and prevent it from becoming airborne. This approach helps mitigate risks to the community, particularly for standing homes that have been reoccupied.
Army Corps works with certified equipment operators who are trained and experienced with safely transporting their cargo to ensure fire debris makes it to its drop-off location safely and swiftly. All trucks are certified and inspected. Trucks are monitored through GPS tracking and traffic patterns are considered and routes adjusted to minimize time on the road.
An asbestos survey is done of each property based on a careful walk-through of the debris footprint and chip testing structures for asbestos. If asbestos is found, abatement experts are hired to transport material with asbestos to a landfill specifically certified to manage and control asbestos.
The debris removal process is not a first-come, first-served process. There are a number of factors that determine when everyone’s lot will be scheduled for Phase 2 debris removal. To maximize efficiency, contractors schedule their work based on priorities set by the federal government with input from County. But getting your forms in and verified early—and encouraging your neighbors to do so as well—will speed the work in your neighborhood.
The deadline for property owners clearing debris from private property is June 30, 2025.
Safety Considerations at Home
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a Public Health Advisory for individuals residing within 250 yards of a burned structure or parcel.
Residents in these areas may face an increased risk of exposure to hazardous substances from ash, soot, and fire debris before the completion of Phase 1 (hazardous materials removal) and Phase 2 (fire debris removal). Exposure to these materials may lead to physical health symptoms and may pose long-term health impacts (American Chemical Society, EST Air, 2025, 2, 13-23).
Fire debris from burned structures can contain a variety of harmful substances, including:
- Asbestos from older building materials
- Heavy metals like lead
- Hazardous chemicals from household products
- Fine particulate matter created by the fire
Strong winds and weather fluctuations may increase both the exposure risk and the affected distance.
For more information, visit: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Wildfire/
Before moving back home, keep in mind that hazards may persist. You should take precautions for the health and safety of you, your family, and your community. Make sure your property is cleaned thoroughly before you consider returning.
Review the following guides to help address risks that may be present in your home:
- General Cleanup, from Public Health: Frequently Asked Questions and Infographic
- Dealing with Smoke and Soot, from Public Health: Fact Sheet
- Soil Contamination, from University of California Cooperative Extension: Fact Sheet on Produce Safety
You can also hire an Environmental Consultant to assess the property and make recommendations.
The Department of Public Health does not provide testing of private property. However, residents can hire certified professionals to conduct testing for and cleanup of asbestos, lead, and other contaminants. These experts can offer services and guidance on the safe removal, handling, and disposal any hazardous materials detected.
- Environmental Consultants: These specialists can conduct environmental assessments and are trained to identify hazardous materials. They are often certified by recognized trade organizations.
- Industrial Hygienists: Certified industrial hygienists (CIH) specialize in identifying and controlling environmental hazards in both workplace and residential settings. They can assess for contaminants and recommend and conduct cleanup activities.
- Asbestos Inspectors: They are specifically trained and certified to inspect for conduct asbestos and must follow local and federal regulations, such as those established by the EPA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
- Lead Risk Assessors: Certified lead risk assessors evaluate properties for lead hazards, particularly in homes built before 1978, when lead-based paints were banned in the U.S. They typically have specialized training and certification.
If you plan to file an insurance claim, please note that some insurance companies may offer a list of certified professionals to assess your property as part of the claims process. Their assessment will identify affected areas and recommend actions for addressing any hazards.
FEMA may provide up to $300 in financial assistance for clean-up if your home was damaged by the fire but is still livable. We would urge all residents impacted by the fire to apply for this and other assistance available through FEMA by the March 31, 2025 deadline. You can apply by:
- Going online at DisasterAssistance.gov (fastest option)
- Using the FEMA App (available at the Apple App Store or Google Play)
- Calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS) captioned telephone, or other service, give FEMA your number for that service
- Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.
HEPA filters are used to remove particles like smoke, dust, and allergens, but may not fully eliminate odor-causing compounds, which are often gases that HEPA filters cannot capture. While the air may be free of harmful particles, the smoky smell could still linger due to these gases.
To help remove odors, one can use air purifiers with activated carbon filters, or place activated charcoal bags or containers around the indoor area. These are designed to absorb odors and can help reduce the smoky smell.
If there continues to be a noticeable smoke odor after initial cleaning of soot and ash present indoors, this may also indicate that additional or deeper cleaning or a professional assessment by a remediation specialist is needed.
To speak directly with Environmental Health Specialist, call the Environmental Health Community Line (626) 430-9821
Choose HEPA Filters: Look for air purifiers with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which can trap 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including smoke.
Consider Activated Carbon Filters: These help remove gases and odors, improving indoor air quality by removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in smoke.
Room Size: Make sure the air purifier is appropriate for the size of the room. Check the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) to ensure it can effectively purify the air in your space which is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommended that homes have 1/3 air changes per hour under normal conditions. During wildfire events, you might consider increasing to 2 to 4 air changes per hour.
Placement: Position the air purifier in frequently used areas, ideally near windows or doors where smoke might enter. Make sure it’s away from obstructions to maximize airflow.
Regular Maintenance: Change filters more frequently, regularly clean the unit to maintain efficiency.
The “do not drink” notice has been lifted for many areas of Altadena. Please check with your local water company (Lincoln Avenue Water Company, Las Flores Water Company, Inc. or Rubio Canon Land & Water Association) for the latest available information.
Water agencies are required to follow strict state and federal protocols before lifting any “Do Not Drink” orders. This includes multiple rounds of water testing to detect potential contaminants. After the order is lifted, testing will continue at regular intervals to ensure water quality remains safe.
Testing frequency may vary depending on the extent of damage to the water system, but updates will be provided by local water companies and the Department of Public Health. Residents are encouraged to check with their water provider for the latest test results and any precautions they should take.
Relief and Insurance
Yes. Homeowners with smoke-damaged homes can apply for property tax relief under this program. To qualify, the damage to the property must exceed $10,000 of current market value and an Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (Form ADS-820) must be filed with the Assessor’s Office within 12 months from the date the property was damaged or destroyed. Additional information on and resources for property tax relief following a disaster can be found on the Property Relief for Properties Impacted by a Disaster factsheet.
More information and on online application can be found here: Assessor – Disaster Relief (Calamity & Disaster)
Regulatory authority over the private insurance industry falls under the California Department of Insurance (CDI). On January 29, 2025, Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Lindsey Horvath sent a joint letter to Commissioner Lara stressing the need for urgent support and information for fire survivors. The Commissioner’s response can be viewed here.
CDI recommends that if you have concerns about or run into issues with your insurance provider, you submit a Request for Assistance (RFA) as soon as possible. The RFA allows CDI to initiate an investigation into the specific situation and work to get you a satisfactory resolution. You have two options for submitting an RFA:
- Online at cdiapps.insurance.ca.gov/CP/login
- By phone through the CDI hotline at (800) 927-4357
Commissioner Lara’s orders, bulletins and consumer alerts since the outbreak of the wildfires–along with the latest insurance news, resources pertaining to the wildfires, and the Commissioner’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy—can be accessed insurance.ca.gov.
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center
Disaster Recovery Centers are open to the public Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (*New hours effective April 14th). Residents can speak with representatives from County, State, and federal agencies to access a range of resources and services to help with the recovery process.
The Disaster Recovery Center serving residents affected by the Altadena Fire is located at:
Altadena Disaster Recovery Center
540 W. Woodbury Road
Altadena, CA 91001
Residents can also get help applying for federal assistance, receive updates on their FEMA application for assistance and learn about the appeals process. FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs, personal property losses or other uninsured, disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral, or dental expenses. It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
Check status of your property
Find the status of your home on this preliminary damage assessment map, which is being updated daily as inspections continue: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/eaton-fire
What Needs to Happen Before You Can Return to Your Property?
Los Angeles County, along with local, state, and federal partners, is working tirelessly to ensure areas affected by the Eaton Fire are safe for residents to return. Here’s what must happen before your community is ready for repopulation:
- Fire hot spots must be fully extinguished.
- Urban Search and Rescue operations need to be completed.
- Roads must be cleared of hazards, such as downed power lines, fallen trees, and broken glass.
– Streets and road infrastructure must be repaired and deemed safe for travel.
– Utilities, including water, electricity, gas. and sewer systems, must be inspected to ensure they are safe.
– Homes and other structures must be evaluated for fire damage, structural weaknesses, and potential for collapse.
-A Red-Tagged building means it is unsafe and cannot be entered.
-Yellow-Tagged building means some areas may be safe but only for limited use or specific purposes.
Check your evacuation status
Find out when your evacuation order is lifted as soon as it happens. Sign up for alerts with the Genasys App or visit protect.genasys.com
Find missing people
The Red Cross can help with finding a missing friend or loved one.
Please fill out the form on this webpage: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/contact-and-locate-loved-ones/california-wildfires-reunification.html or call (800) RED-CROSS or (800) 733-2767.
Where to collect your mail
If you live in Altadena and received your mail from the Altadena Post Office, the US Postal Service has reported that your mail will be re-routed to the Pasadena Post Office located at:
Pasadena Post Office
600 Lincoln Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91109
Mon – Fri: 9 am – 6 pm
Sat: 9 am – 3 pm
(800) 275-8777
Additional information about forwarding mail to a temporary location and other services can be found at: usps.com or by calling (800) 275-8777.
For more information about returning after a fire, please click here.
Recovering vital records
Los Angeles County residents directly impacted by fires can request property and vital records free of charge to help with recovery efforts from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office. If you have been impacted, please call 800-201-8999 and select Option 1, followed by Option 2, or email your request with specific information to recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov. Read an FAQ here.
Get help for animals
Call the Eaton Fire Animal Rescue Hotline at (626) 577-3752 for help with:
- Found animals (including pets, livestock, exotics and wildlife)
- Lost animals
- Animals left behind in an evacuated home or property
If you have lost or found a pet, the City and County of Los Angeles Animal Shelters are partnering with Petco Love Lost, a free national lost-and-found pet database, to help reunite pets with their families. By uploading a photo of your lost or found pet to Petco Love Lost, you can increase the chances of a successful reunion. You may also view LA Animal Services’ Lost Pet Search page and Los Angeles Animal Care and Control’s Lost Pet page.
Help for workers and small businesses
An emergency resources webpage has launched to support workers and businesses affected by the wildfires. It serves as a comprehensive resource center, offering assistance and the latest information to help businesses and workers through the recovery and rebuilding process.
To learn more, visit LA County Emergency Resources for Workers and Businesses.
Reporting a downed tree or other hazards
You can report problems such as downed trees and other hazards by clicking here. For urgent requests, please call 800-675-4357.
Consumer protections
Price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal. This means that businesses cannot increase the price of food, repairs, construction, housing, emergency and medical supplies, or gasoline more than 10% for 30 days after the emergency declaration issued on January 7. This also includes rent increases, as well as hikes in hotel and motel prices for evacuees who are seeking emergency housing. To learn more, visit dcba.lacounty.gov/pricegouging/.
If you believe you have been improperly overcharged for goods, services, or housing, keep your records and receipts.
Here’s how to file a price gouging complaint:
- Online: Online Complaint Reporting Tool
- Phone: 800-593-8222
- Email: complaints@dcba.lacounty.gov
Residents impacted by wildfires served by investor-owned utilities regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission have certain consumer protections in place:
Electric and Natural Gas Utility Bills:
- Disconnections: Wildfire-impacted customers cannot be disconnected for nonpayment and associated fees.
- Discontinue Billing: Utilities must discontinue billing customers whose homes are not capable of receiving utility services, and utilities cannot assess a disconnection charge.
- SoCalGas states on their website that customers who have had their natural gas service temporarily turned off for safety reasons will not be billed for service during this temporary outage. Please visit the SoCalGas Emergency Disaster Relief webpage to learn more.
- To learn more, please visit Southern California Edison’s Disaster Support or call 1-800-250-7339.
- Waive Deposits: Utilities must waive deposit requirements for affected residents seeking to re-establish service for one year and must expedite move-in and move-out service requests.
- Estimated Billing: Utilities must stop energy usage estimates for billing for the time the home/unit was unoccupied as a result of the wildfires.
- Payment Plans: Affected customers who have prior arrearages and have lost their homes or have been displaced and are seeking to establish service in a new residence must be offered a payment plan with an initial payment of no greater than 20% of the amount due, and with equal installments for the remainder of not less than 12 billing cycles.
- Minimum Bills: Utilities must prorate any monthly access charge or minimum charges for affected customers typically assessed so that no customer will bear any of these costs for the time period after the customer’s home was rendered unserviceable by a fire.
Water and Sewer Utility Bills:
- Unpaid Bills: Water companies must work cooperatively with affected customers to resolve unpaid bills and minimize disconnections for nonpayment.
- Waive Reconnection and Facilities Fees: Water companies must waive reconnection or facilities fees for affected customers and suspend deposits for affected customers who must reconnect to the system.
- Payment Plans: Water companies must provide reasonable payment options to affected customers.
- Bill Waiver: Water companies must waive bills for victims who lost their homes.
Landline Telephone Bills:
AT&T California, Frontier Communications, Consolidated and other carriers of last resort are required to provide refunds for failure to provide service. Landline providers are required to:
- Waive the one-time activation fee for establishing remote call forwarding, remote access to call forwarding, call forwarding features and messaging services.
- Waive the monthly rate for one month for remote call forwarding, remote access to call forwarding, call forwarding, call forwarding features, and messaging services.
- Waive the service charge for installation of service at the temporary or new permanent home of the customer and again when the customer moves back to the premises.
- Waive the fee for one jack and associated wiring at the temporary location regardless of whether the customer has an Inside Wire Plan.
- Waive the fee for up to five free jacks and associated wiring for Inside Wiring Plan customer upon their return to their permanent home.
- Waive the fee for one jack and associated wiring for non-Plan customers upon their return to their permanent home.
Rebuilding resources
The County is committed to a streamlined rebuilding process. Governor Newsom has cleared the way by issuing an executive order suspending environmental regulations under CEQA, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is committed to eliminating as much red tape as possible to get your community rebuilt. State and local officials have all declared emergencies to further expedite rebuilding and recovery.
Rebuilding resources from LA County Planning can be found here: planning.lacounty.gov/disaster-recovery/.
To locate records related to your home, go to:
Emotional support
If you’re looking for someone to talk to for emotional support, please call the Department of Mental Health’s 24/7 Helpline at: (800) 854-7771.
Mortgage relief
Homeowners must keep making mortgage payments after a wildfire. However, you may be able to qualify for forbearance relief. Call your mortgage lender for more information.
Get referrals over the phone or online from a live operator
If you want to talk to live operator who can answer your call 24/7, please dial 2-1-1. These operators can refer you to most services available to you whether it involves housing resources, food assistance and food banks, health needs, disability services, transportation, employment, or other challenges you are facing. You can also search their website at: 211la.org/resources.
Help with prescriptions
Medication Access Assistance Service
- Public Health is providing medication access assistance service at each of the Disaster Recovery Centers. Nurses at the sites will assist families with information, education, and referrals for clinical health concerns, including getting access to medications for those who lost their medications in the fire by helping them connect with their pharmacy or their usual provider. If refills are unavailable or they face challenges in connecting, the nurses at each site will connect with physicians and pharmacists in the DPH telehealth service to provide new prescriptions to bridge families until they are able to connect with their primary care provider again. For patients needing medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction, the MAT Consultation Line (213-288-9090) is able to offer these prescriptions and operates 7 days per week from 8am – midnight.
Additional Guidance and Resources for Medication Assistance
- People should call their regular pharmacy or, if not open, another location of the same chain, if possible.
- LA Care and Health Net have set up call lines for their members and DHCS has asked all health plans to ensure access so residents can also try calling their insurer.
- Teladoc Health is offering free, 24/7 virtual medical care by calling 855-225-5032. Services include treatment for conditions such as respiratory infections, allergies, sinus problems and cold or flu symptoms, company officials said. Additionally, Teladoc Health is providing assistance with prescription refills for non-narcotic medications. Click here to learn more.
- GoodRx is offering free online healthcare provider visits. Angelenos can use the code LA-GOODRX-CARE to be seen by a licensed medical provider on GoodRx Care for a variety of conditions including help with medication refills; for more information, visit goodrx.com/care.
All insurance plans have been instructed to suspend prescription refill limitations and allow impacted members to refill their prescriptions at out-of-network pharmacies at the usual in-network cost-sharing rates. The plan will also permit impacted members to obtain new prescriptions at out-of-network pharmacies.
For additional information, click here.
Help with property taxes
You may be eligible for tax relief if your property is damaged or destroyed by a calamity, such as fire or flooding. To qualify, you must file an Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (M&C) Form ADS-820 with the Assessor’s Office within 12 months from the date the property was damaged or destroyed. The loss must exceed $10,000 of current market value. For questions or to submit an M&C claim, please call 213-974-8658.
Emergency housing
211LA has partnered with both Airbnb and Hilton to help provide free, emergency housing and vouchers to people who’ve been displaced. Please fill out this housing assistance form to apply for both programs: intake form. Residents who have already applied through 211 LA do not to need to fill out another application.
Tenant rights
Under California Law, if a rental unit is completely destroyed, the lease/rental agreement no longer applies. You are no longer required to pay rent, and the landlord is no longer required to provide housing or relocation assistance. The landlord must return any prepaid rent and refund the security deposit in accordance with California law.
If a rental unit is partially destroyed, and can’t be lived in, the tenant may choose to end or continue the lease/rental agreement, depending on the circumstances and condition of the rental property. If your rental unit has some damage but is still livable, you must continue to pay rent.
To learn more, visit LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs: Information for Landlords and Tenants.
School Districts
LAUSD
- Visit https://www.lausd.org/schoolupdates or call 213-241-1000 for more info.
Pasadena Unified School District
- Pasadena Unified is reopening schools in phases, with all students returning to school by the end of January.
- Visit https://www.pusd.us/fire-relief or call 626-396-3600 for more info.
Utilities
Pasadena Water and Power
- For residents in the Eaton Fire impacted areas: Contact PWP Customer Service, M-F 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. for assistance at (626) 744-4005. For Power Emergencies, call (626) 744-4673. For Water Emergencies, call (626) 744-4138. Visit https://pwp.cityofpasadena.net/ for more info.
- Pasadena Water and Power is now offering the Water Leak Assistance Program; for qualifying residential and commercial customers who have experienced a bill increase due to excessive water loss from a leak on their property. Please visit https://pwp.cityofpasadena.net/water-leak-assistance-program/ for more info.
Southern California Edison (SCE)
- Check Outage Status
- Visit https://www.sce.com/ or call 1-800-611-1911 for more info.
SoCal Gas
- Visit https://www.socalgas.com/fires for Eaton Fire restoration updates
- SoCalGas crews will be arriving in your neighborhood to go door-to-door to safely restore your service. We will be doing this multiple times in each area. If we miss you, we will leave you instructions on how to make an appointment for gas restoration services or call us at 1-800-427-2200.
Telecommunications:
- T-Mobile
- Visit https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-stands-prepared-as-wildfires-impact-southern-california or call 1-800-937-8997 for more info.
- AT&T
- Call 1-800-331-0500 for more info.
- Verizon
- Visit https://www.verizon.com/ or call 1-800-922-0204 for more info.
- Spectrum
- Visit https://www.spectrum.com/ or call 1-833-949-0036 for more info.
Trash collection
- Athens Services
- Visit https://athensservices.com/ for more info or call 1-888-336-6100 for more info.
- Universal Waste Systems (UWS)
- Visit https://www.uwscompany.com/altadena/, call 1-888-726-0027, or email info@uwscompany.com for more info.