Cal Cities 2025 Wildfire Resources

This list was last updated on Jan. 15, 2025.

The fires raging in Southern California have put even some of the most seasoned public officials firmly in unchartered territory. We’ve compiled a list of trusted resources (federal, state, local, and private) to help officials cut through the noise and focus on response and recovery. 

Top Resources

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Register for disaster assistance by calling 1 (800) 621-3362 or by visiting disasterassistance.gov.

www.ca.gov/LAfires. A collection of resources for Californians impacted by the Los Angeles Fires, curated by the state.

recovery.lacounty.gov/. A disaster recovery portal that provides maps of the affected areas and resources, including disaster recovery centers. 

Federal Resources

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• Public Assistance Program - Provides aid to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments for recovery from major disasters. 
• Individual Assistance Program - Offers financial help or direct services to those who have necessary expenses and serious needs if they are unable to meet these needs through other means. 
• FEMA Regional Offices - The Federal Emergency Management Agency consists of ten regions in the continental United States and territories. California is in Region 9.
• The National Incident Management System - Guides all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to work together to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from incidents.
• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program - Provides funding to help reduce disaster risk in the future.
• Resilient Nation Partnership Network - The Resilient Nation Partnership Network is a diverse network of voices united in their commitment to help communities become more resilient toward natural disasters and climate-related events.
  

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

• Department of Transportation (DOT) Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Information - During emergency situations, DOT will post applicable information related to transportation permits, waivers, and other regulations. 
• Emergency Relief Program - Helps repair and reconstruct federal-aid highways and roads on federal lands damaged by natural disasters or catastrophic events. 
  

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

• Disaster Recovery for Communities - HUD helps communities prepare, plan, respond, and recover from a disaster. Having the right plan in place before a disaster will ensure an effective, coordinated response.
• Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery - Provides flexible grants to help cities, counties, and states recover from presidentially declared disasters, especially in low-income areas. 
• Immediate or emergency shelter - Helps families locate immediate emergency shelter.
• Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims - Makes it easier for survivors to get a mortgage to buy or rebuild a home.
• Preparing for a disaster - Help for individuals and families recovering from a major disaster.
  

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

• Disaster Assistance Programs - USDA provides several disaster programs for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities impacted by natural disasters. 
• Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program - Provides emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees, and farm-raised fish. It covers losses due to eligible adverse weather or loss conditions, as well as expenses associated with the transportation of water and feed to livestock.
• The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) - Helps producers to manage risk through coverage for both crop losses and crop planting that was prevented due to natural disasters. Eligible or “noninsured” crops include agricultural commodities not covered by federal crop insurance.
• Livestock Indemnity Program - Provides benefits to livestock owners and contract growers who experience livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by specific adverse weather, disease, or animal attacks.
• Tree Assistance Program (TAP) - Provides cost-share assistance to replant or rehabilitate trees, bushes, or vines lost during a natural disaster. TAP complements NAP or federal crop insurance coverage, which covers the crop but not the plants or trees in all cases. This program provides assistance for trees, bushes, or vines not covered by the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program or crop insurance.
• Emergency Conservation Program and Emergency Forest Restoration Program - Provide financial and technical assistance to restore conservation practices like fencing, damaged farmland or forests, and remove snow from feedstocks, water supplies, and feeding areas.
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program - Provides financial and technical assistance to help with immediate needs and long-term support to help communities recover from natural disasters and conserve water resources. Assistance may also be available for emergency animal mortality disposal from natural disasters and other causes.  
• Direct and guaranteed loans, including operating and emergency loans - USDA offers a variety of guaranteed loans to eligible producers unable to secure commercial financing. Loans can help producers replace essential property, purchase livestock, equipment, feed, and seed, cover family living expenses, or refinance farm-related debts.
• Emergency Watershed Protection Program - Assists with recovery and floodplain easement options. Provides personalized advice and financial assistance to relieve imminent threats to life and property caused by floods, fires, windstorms, and other natural disasters that impair a watershed.
• Livestock Forage Disaster Program - Provides benefits for grazing losses due to wildfire.
• Emergency Assistance for Wildfire Fact Sheet - Describes USDA programs that can help communities recover from wildfires.
• Food and Nutrition Disaster Assistance - The Food and Nutrition Service coordinates with state, territory, tribal, and voluntary organizations to provide nutrition assistance to families and individuals affected by a disaster or emergency. This includes the D-SNAP program.
  

U.S. Department of Commerce and Small Business Administration

• Disaster Loan Program - Provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses, homeowners, and renters to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery, equipment, inventory, and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster.
• Disaster Supplemental Funding - Provides grants to regions that have been impacted by natural disasters to foster economic recovery. 
  

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• Hospital Preparedness Program - Helps health systems and hospitals prepare for and respond to public health emergencies. 
• Division of State and Local Readiness (DSLR) - One of four readiness and response divisions. DLSR coordinates and connects public health preparedness and response planners nationwide.
• Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement - Provides funding to strengthen public health departments’ preparedness for and response to emergencies.
• Disaster Distress Helpline - Provides emotional distress support to people impacted by a disaster. This helpline is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. 
  

U.S. Department of Labor

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance - Provides financial assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster. 
  

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

• Disaster Debris Recovery Tools - Provides tools and guidance for managing disaster debris to protect public health and the environment. 
• Environmental Protection Agency Natural Disasters - Provides resources and tips to help people prepare for and stay safe during a variety of natural disasters. The resource pages provide tips on keeping chemicals safe and how water and wastewater utilities can prepare.
  

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

• Department of Energy - DOE emergency responders work with partners to restore power to those impacted. DOE’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response coordinates DOE’s response to hazards facing the energy sector.
  

Communications

• FirstNet Disaster Response and Recovery - The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) is an independent agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration that oversees FirstNet, the nation’s communications network dedicated to emergency responders and the public safety community. FirstNet’s network is maintained and operated by AT&T.
• Federal Communications Commission - The Operations and Emergency Management Division ensures the readiness of the Federal Communications Commission to respond to threats and emergencies; conducts and coordinates risk and incident management activities; and supports public safety and national security initiatives.
  

State Resources

Main contact: The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is coordinating with all state agencies on the response and recovery for communities impacted by the Los Angeles County Fires. 

• The Office of the Governor’s website lists all the executive orders made by Gov. Gavin Newsom related to the wildfires.
• The California Department of Education provides resources and guidance on school closure and damages as well as resources for students.
• The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection provides resources and guidance for safe and efficient evacuation during wildfires. This website also provides the latest updates on fire incidents.
• The California Health and Human Services Agency has the most updated list of shelters, as well as other public health impacts and resources.
• The California Department of Insurance provides resources and tips on preparing for an insurance claim to help recent wildfire victims with recovery issues related to insurance.
• The California Department of Justice protects people impacted by an emergency from illegal price gouging on housing, gas, food, and other essential supplies. Californians who believe they have been the victim of price gouging should report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General’s office.
• The California Department of Motor Vehicles partners with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services when a fire, earthquake, flood, or other natural disaster strikes to help Californians affected by natural disasters get the services they need.
• The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank has a disaster relief loan program to help businesses recover from a declared disaster. The loan guarantees provided by the Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program help mitigate barriers to capital for small businesses that have suffered a loss (either physical or economic) due to a disaster.
• California Volunteers is the state office tasked with engaging Californians in service, volunteering, and civic action to tackle the state’s most pressing challenges.
• The California Department of Public Health has a list of health care facilities impacted, the number of patients, and their relocation facilities.
  

County Resources

• Los Angeles County Recovers is a disaster recovery portal that provides maps of the affected areas and resources, including disaster recovery centers. There are also links to every county department and their services, including the assessor, public health, social services, and other services.
• Los Angeles County Department of Aging and Disabilities provides information and supportive services to older and disabled adults.
• The Los Angeles County Assessor's Office is focused on providing disaster relief information and forms for property tax deferrals and property reassessments.
• Los Angeles County Animal Control has a list of shelters available for animals affected by the evacuation orders.
• Los Angeles County Department of Child Support Services can assist participants with child support obligations for those who have lost their source of income because of the fires.
• The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs has information on price gouging during a state of emergency.
• The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, Office of Small Business hosts a Small Business Concierge that helps with information and technical assistance, financial resources, and referrals to partner organizations for programs and services. Impacted small businesses can access support submitting insurance claims, sign up for no-cost legal aid, and access capital and other resources such as grants and loans, as well as local, state, and federal contracting opportunities.
• The Los Angeles County Library offers areas for free Wi-Fi, public-use computers, access to water fountains and restrooms, help from library staff on where to locate forms and hotlines, and a welcoming space to rest. Their website offers resources on emergency responses and a page on wildfire updates.
• The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health has resources for those experiencing mental health distress related to the wildfires in California.
• The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health provides information on safe cleanup after fires, food safety, public health services, and guidelines for onsite wastewater and private wells following a fire. See their Fire Safety and Health Information page for the latest community public health updates.
• Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services provides disaster relief assistance to families through General Relief, CalWorks, CalFresh, and MediCal.
• The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Building and Safety Division provides assistance with rebuilding and the permitting process. The Fire Disaster Information page posts fire, mud, and debris flow information. The Clean LA page provides recovery services to unincorporated county residents and businesses impacted by the fires.
• Los Angeles County Department of Registrar/Recorder County Clerk provides access to vital records for birth, marriage, death, and real estate records, all at no cost to those impacted by the fires.
• The Los Angeles County Department of Treasurer Tax Collector assesses the eligibility of tax relief for properties damaged or destroyed by disasters.
• 211 LA connects community members and community organizations looking for various types of health, human, and social services in Los Angeles County.
  

Private and Nonprofit Resources

Private and nonprofit companies are vital partners in disaster recovery, bringing unique resources, expertise, and capabilities to the table that complement public sector efforts. These organizations often provide critical services, such as emergency housing, infrastructure repair, and logistical support. Nonprofits also can deliver essential humanitarian aid, including food, water, and medical care. Private companies contribute through technology solutions, construction, and telecommunications to restore essential services swiftly. The collaboration between these entities and local government agencies enhances the resilience and speed of recovery efforts, ensuring communities can rebuild and return to normalcy more efficiently after a disaster strikes.

For questions related to donations and/or non-governmental organization coordination, please contact Abby Browning, Chief of Private Sector & NGO Coordination Office at abby.browning@caloes.ca.gov. The office designs, coordinates, and implements statewide outreach programs to foster relationships with businesses, associations, companies, and universities, as well as nonprofit, nongovernmental, and philanthropic organizations. This office works within Cal OES to maximize the inclusion and effective use of private sector, philanthropic, and nongovernment staff and resources in all phases of emergency management.

Philanthropy California has vetted and created a list to help donors direct resources to nonprofits active in place-based relief and recovery efforts, with a special focus on supporting communities facing structural inequities. Some funds specifically support long-term resilience building and recovery efforts, which provide support for communities recovering in the years after a hazard event.