LA County & You: Moving Forward Together – Wildfire Recovery Edition
Wildfires can impact families, homes, businesses, and entire communities. LA County supports your recovery with essential resources to help you rebuild, find shelter, receive financial assistance, and access your needed services. Below is a guide to wildfire recovery programs available to LA County residents, organized for easy access.
Replace lost or damaged documents to regain access to vital records and property information.
- Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates – Request replacements through the LA County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
- Real Estate Records – Obtain property deeds and records for insurance and rebuilding needs.
- Frequently Asked Questions: Property, Business, and Vital Records for Fire Victims – Get answers to common concerns regarding lost or damaged documents.
Temporary and long-term housing solutions for those impacted by wildfires.
- FEMA Assistance – Apply for federal disaster aid, housing, and home repair assistance.
- Disaster Recovery Centers – In-person help centers for applying for assistance and connecting with resources.
- Tenant & Housing Rights Information – Guidance for renters and landlords affected by disaster-related displacement.
- Landlord Mediation – Free mediation services to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants affected by wildfire-related displacement.
- StayHoused LA – Eviction defense and rental assistance for those facing housing instability due to disaster-related issues.
- Mental Health & Emotional Support – Counseling services, crisis intervention, and spiritual care to support recovery.
- CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal & General Relief – Financial and food assistance programs for eligible individuals and families.
- Long-Term Recovery Services – Support those needing extended assistance beyond initial relief efforts.
Resources to help residents rebuild safely and efficiently.
- Debris Removal & Cleanup Guidelines – Information on safe cleanup, food safety, and protecting your health after a wildfire.
- LA County Electronic Permitting & Inspections Tool – Online portal for submitting building permits and tracking approvals.
- Building Requirements and Permits – Information on rebuilding guidelines, required permits, and safety regulations to restore homes and businesses.
- Virtual Counseling with Planning Officials – One-on-one guidance on rebuilding, zoning, and safety requirements.
- Connection with Utility Services – Assistance with restoring essential services like water, electricity, and gas.
- Post-Fire Mud & Debris Flow Information – Critical information on post-wildfire environmental risks and precautions.
- Wildfire Safety Guidelines – Safety recommendations for handling fire-damaged properties, including lithium-ion battery precautions.
- 2025 Eaton Fire Rebuild – Procedural guidelines for rebuilding fire-affected areas with county support.
Support for older adults affected by wildfires.
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- Senior Assistance Programs – Information and referrals for housing, healthcare, and other essential services tailored to older adults.
- LA County Department of Aging and Disabilities – Provides long-term services and support for seniors and persons with disabilities recovering from the disaster.
- City of Los Angeles Department of Aging
- Mental Health & Emotional Support – Counseling and crisis intervention services for older and disabled adults to cope with trauma and displacement.
- Senior Assistance Programs – Information and referrals for housing, healthcare, and other essential services tailored to older adults.
Resources for pet and livestock care after a disaster.
- Food, Shelter & Boarding Services – Temporary housing and resources for animals affected by wildfires.
Helping individuals and businesses recover financially.
- Disaster Recovery Grants – Federal and local grants for individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits recovering from wildfire damage.
- Cash Assistance Programs – Emergency financial aid for wildfire survivors to cover basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical expenses.
- Unfair Business Practices & Price Gouging Protection – Consumer protection services to prevent fraud and price gouging during disaster recovery.
- Wildfire Insurance Claims Assistance – Guidance and support for filing insurance claims related to wildfire losses.
- Tax Relief Eligibility – Disaster-related tax relief programs are available for homeowners and businesses suffering property losses.
Guidance and resources for navigating post-disaster legal issues.
- Legal Assistance for Small Businesses – Free or low-cost legal aid for wildfire-impacted businesses seeking help with contracts, insurance claims, or rebuilding regulations.
- Consumer Protection from Scams – Preventative measures and support for those targeted by fraudulent contractors or financial scams post-disaster.
Restoring access to essential digital services.
- *Delete the Divide: Learn Basic Tech – Digital literacy programs to help residents reconnect online and utilize recovery resources.
- *Small Business Connections – Networking and technology support services for small businesses recovering from disasters.
- *Digital Skills LA (DEO) – Training programs to help workers and businesses improve their digital capabilities post-disaster.
- *Library Laptop Lending – Borrow laptops for free to help with job searching, online applications, and disaster recovery resources.
- *Library Hotspot Lending – Free internet hotspot access to ensure displaced residents stay connected.
- *Park and Connect Wi-Fi Access – Outdoor Wi-Fi locations are available for those without internet access at home.
* This is an American Rescue Plan Act program.
Programs to help residents meet daily needs during recovery.
- Utilities Assistance (Water, Electricity, Gas) – Financial aid and support to restore essential utility services.
- Disaster Preparation Resources – Education and tools to help residents prepare for future disasters.
- Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) – Offers resources for job seekers, small business owners, and workforce recovery programs.
- Job Assistance: America’s Job Centers – Career placement, training, and financial aid for workers impacted by the wildfires.
Los Angeles County Department of Assessor’s Office
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.
Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs
The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs serves consumers, tenants and landlords, homeowners businesses, and communities.
During a declared disaster, the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) stands ready to protect residents from unfair business practices, including price gouging and scams. By educating the public and enforcing regulations, DCBA helps prevent fraud and excessive price hikes that exploit vulnerable individuals.
Price gouging laws in Los Angeles County prohibit businesses from raising the price of goods, services, and rental units by more than 10% during a declared emergency.
Helpful Resources
L.A. County Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Resources
Online Complaint Reporting Tool
Other DCBA Services
DCBA also provides help with housing and tenant protections, worker protections, small claims, mediation, immigration, financial empowerment, and cannabis management.
Website: https://dcba.lacounty.gov
Phone: (800) 593-8222
Phone Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Make an appointment for free, one-on-one service with a DCBA counselor by phone.
Make an appointment for in-person service at our Downtown L.A. Office.
Office Locations and Hours:
Downtown LA Headquarters
Hall of Records
320 W. Temple St. Room G-10
Los Angeles, CA 90012
PHONE: 800.593.8222
East Los Angeles County Hall
4801 East Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90022
Open Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lancaster (Library)
601 West Lancaster Boulevard
Lancaster, CA 93534
Open Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
South Whittier Community Resource Center
10750 Laurel Avenue
Whittier, CA 90605
PHONE: 562.946.2425
Open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs
In response to the devastation caused by the Eaton and Pacific Palisades wildfires, the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) is launching the LA County Household Relief Grant Program. Eligible households can receive grants ranging from $6,000 to $18,000, based on household size and composition.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors established the LA County Relief Fund to provide essential financial assistance to affected residents. The fund, created through a motion by Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Kathryn Barger on January 28, 2025, will distribute $32.2 million in to provide immediate relief through the LA County Household Relief Grant.
The LA County Household Relief Grant will provide swift support to households impacted by the Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires until state, federal and other recovery resources become available.
Grant Details
Funds can be used for essential needs such as:
- Housing costs
- Living expenses
- Funeral costs
- Repairs not covered by other forms of assistance
The online application will be open from February 26, 2025, to March 12, 2025.
For more information and to sign up to get updates about the application, please visit lacountyrelieffund.com.
Note: This is a time-limited, multi-round grant program. Priority will be given to the most impacted households based on need, including insurance status, social and economic vulnerability, loss of life, health conditions, and other risk factors.
To ensure equitable access, in-person application assistance will be available in both English and Spanish at the Disaster Recovery Centers:
- Altadena Disaster Recovery Center
540 W. Woodbury Road
Altadena, CA 91001 - UCLA Research Park West
10850 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Los Angeles County Fire Department
Precautions when entering areas burned by Wildfire – Lithium-Ion Batteries
Los Angeles County Fire Department
2025 Eaton Fire Rebuild – Information and Procedural Guidelines
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Provides information on safe cleanup after fire, food safety, public health services, and guidelines for onsite wastewater and private wells following a fire.
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Wildfire/
Environmental Health
(888) 700-9995
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 5:00pm
Public Health Infoline
(833) 540-0473
Cleanup and Rebuilding after Wildfires
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
Assistance with rebuilding and permitting process.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
Post fire mud and debris flow information.
Call Public Works 24/7 Dispatch for assistance and referral: 800-675-4357
https://dpw.lacounty.gov/landing/em/docs/HOMEOWNERSGUIDE.pdf
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
LA County Public Works is committed to helping residents recover from the devastating wildfires. Learn about the debris removal process, safety requirements, and coordinated efforts to rebuild your community as details become available:
(844) FIRE DEBRIS / (844) 347-3332
Mon-Fri: 7 AM – 7 PM
Sat: 8 AM – 6 PM
(Closed Sun & Holidays)
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
Services provided to residents and businesses not directly impacted by this incident.
- List of C&D recycling facilities, Inert waste facilities, and Municipal solid waste facilities
- List of authorized Commercial Franchise waste haulers
- List of additional C&D recycling facilities
- List of HHW and E-Waste events
888-CLEANLA
Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning
Provides long-range planning, land development counseling, project/case intake and processing, environmental review and zoning enforcement review and zoning for properties in unincorporated LA County.
To begin the permitting process online, visit EPIC-LA, LA County’s electronic permitting and inspections tool to:
- Determine the permits needed to rebuild on your specific property
- Apply for rebuilding and temporary housing permits
- Request an inspection of your property
Monday -Thursday 7:00am- 11:00am
(213) 974-6411
Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning
Provides long-range planning, land development counseling, project/case intake and processing, environmental review and zoning enforcement review and zoning for properties in unincorporated LA County.
LA County Planning also offers virtual counseling with planning officials. To schedule an appointment, click here.
Monday -Thursday 7:00am- 11:00am
(213) 974-6411
Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning
Provides long-range planning, land development counseling, project/case intake and processing, environmental review and zoning enforcement review and zoning for properties in unincorporated LA County.
Rebuilding information: planning.lacounty.gov/disaster-recovery
Monday -Thursday 7:00am- 11:00am
(213) 974-6411
Los Angeles County Department of Registrar / Recorder County Clerk
Access property records
- Real estate records: https://www.lavote.gov/home/recorder/real-estate-records/general-info
Los Angeles County Department of Treasurer Tax Collector
Assess eligibility of tax relief if your property is damaged or destroyed by a calamity.
(213) 974-2111
Insurance – CA Department of Insurance by calling (800) 927-4357 or visit insurance.ca.gov.
Utilities (Water, Electricity, Gas)
Residents from impacted areas may ask about utilities for their homes. First and foremost, if there is an immediate danger (for example, power line fallen, water line break) they should call 911. They may contact the relevant utility about outages.
Pasadena Water and Power (PWP)
https://pwp.cityofpasadena.net/
Power Emergencies
(626) 744-4673
Water Emergencies
(626) 744-4138
PWP Customer Service Line
(626) 744-4005
Glendale Water and Power
https://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/glendale-water-and-power
Customer Service
(855) 550-4497
24-hour Hotline
(818) 550-4400
Crescenta Valley Water District
cvwd.com
(818) 248-3925
Burbank Water and Power
burbankwaterandpower.com
(818) 238-3700
Southern California Edison (SCE)
www.sce.com
Customer Service
(800) 655-4555
Power Safety Shut-Off – Press 1
Other Services – Press 2
SoCal Gas
https://www.socalgas.com/fires
Customer Service
(800) 427-2200
Report Gas Leak – Press 1
Residential – Press 2
Business – Press 3
Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs
When disaster occurs your business can experience disruption. This can mean revenue and employee loss, plus extra expenses which mean reduced profits. It’s important to be prepared but a business recovery plan is essential to your business’s survival. The County of Los Angeles wants to assist business owners on their road to recovery. For information, click here.
Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity
The DEO Office of Small Business hosts a Small Business Concierge helps with information and technical assistance, financial resources, and referrals to partner organizations for programs and services.
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) provides comprehensive assistance and resources to workers and businesses. Through its network of America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs), their Office of Small Business (OSB), and partners DEO offers a range of resources to address urgent needs and foster long-term recovery.
Impacted small business can access:
- Direct 1:1 technical assistance
- Certification and County contracting opportunities
- Referrals for capital access, including grant programs and low-interest loans, and no cost legal aid for small businesses
- Connection to job centers for hiring and training services and layoff aversion
Impacted workers can access:
- Job placement and training
- Unemployment Insurance (UI) or Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
- Healthcare coverage enrollment
- Connecting to available relief funding
To access a full list of resources available, visit:
https://bit.ly/DEOWildfireResponse
Office of Small Business
(844) 432-4900
4716 E. Cesar E. Chavez, Los Angeles 90022
Monday – Friday
8:00am to 4:30pm
America’s Job Centers
(888) 226-6300
Monday- Friday
8:00am to 5:00pm
AJCC.lacounty.gov, or email:workforce@opportunity.lacounty.gov with “Wildfire Impacted” in Subject Line
To find a center visit: https://bit.ly/FindanAJCC
Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity
LA County Legal Aid Program for Small Business
lalegalhelp.org or call (866) 375-9511
Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity
Business to Business Space Share Program
Displaced businesses, including nonprofits, can find available temporary space donated by other businesses throughout LA County by visiting https://sharespace.lacounty.gov/, a free exchange portal launched by DEO.
Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity
LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds
Small businesses, nonprofits, and workers affected by the devastating January 2025 windstorm and wildfires can now apply for direct financial relief through the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds. Applications are open from February 6, 2025, through February 24, 2025. To apply, visit laregionfund.lacounty.gov. Distribution of funds is set to begin in mid-March.
Grant awards are contingent on the total funds raised, and all qualified applicants are not guaranteed a grant. For other relief and recovery resources, including loans and grants, please visit DEO’s emergency resource hub.
Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture
Wildfire Resources for the arts and creative sector, click here.
Arts and Culture recently hosted the webinar “LA County Wildfire Response & Resources,” featuring presentations from federal, national, and local agencies. It focused on resources, funding, and opportunities for artists and arts organizations affected by the fires. To explore a recording and a PDF of the presentations, visit the department’s resource page.
Los Angeles County Library
- Take advantage of free Wi-Fi, public-use computers, and laptops.
- Pick up educational supplies for kids and teens.
- Explore our collection of books, materials, and online tools to assist with work, school assignments, or research.
- Charge phones and devices.
- Access water fountains and restrooms.
- Get help from library staff on where to locate forms and hotlines from the Los Angeles County Accessor and FEMA.
- Find a welcoming space to rest, reflect, and plan your next steps, or simply take a much needed mental health break.
We also encourage you to visit LACountyLibrary.org for updates on LA County’s wildfire response efforts and a curated list of emergency resources. Our website provides an updated directory of our library locations that are open and ready to welcome customers. Our Digital Library is available 24/7, offering access to eBooks, audiobooks, and other virtual resources.
How to Apply
There are three ways to apply:
1. Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
If you have access to the internet and your electronic devices have power, applying online is easiest, fastest, and most convenient.
2. On the FEMA App for mobile devices
3. The FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362
Calls are accepted every day from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as video relay, captioned telephone, or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
4. At a Disaster Recovery Center
LA County survivors who have damage to their home, personal property, or disaster-caused emergency needs due to the wildfires can get in-person assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center. At DRCs, survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, speak to representatives from state and federal agencies, receive updates on the FEMA application for assistance and learn about the appeals process.
Please check the ENLA website for a full list of organizations who can help with a range of services from immediate needs to long term Recovery.
Emergency Network Los Angeles (ENLA)
Website link: Emergency Network Los Angeles (ENLA)
Access to non-profits aiding residents impacted by disasters. Services may range from humanitarian relief, planning for disaster response to long-term recovery and assistance programs.
ENLA represents a network of nonprofits that enhances and supports the recovery of communities after an emergency incident.
Greater Los Angeles County American Red Cross
24-hour intake number
(800) 675-5799
So. Cal Division
The Salvation Army
Website link:
socal.salvationarmy.org
(562) 264-3600
Tzu Chi Foundation
909.447.7799,
info@tzuchi.us
United Policy Holders
info@uphelp.org
Hotel Vouchers – 211 LA Teams Up with Hilton and Partners to Provide Hotel Vouchers
Hilton, American Express and 211 LA have announced a plan to provide vouchers to 20,000 people impacted by the fires. Residents need to first apply to 211 LA for housing assistance using this application: bit.ly/211-Emergency-Services-Request
Disaster Assistance for Immigrants – For updates, see: oia.lacounty.gov/publiccharge
Red Cross can provide assistance and will not ask about immigration status. (800)733-2767.
Please visit Recovery.lacounty.gov or call 211 for assistance.