Federal assistance

Former President Biden’s approval of a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration unlocks federal resources to aid fire victims in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Eligible residents and business owners can apply for:

  • Grants for temporary housing and home repairs
  • Low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses
  • Other recovery programs to support disaster recovery efforts

How to apply:

Local assistance centers

Residents impacted by the wildfires can access support services at these local assistance centers:

  • Westside: UCLA Research Park (formerly Westside Pavilion), 10850 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Eastside: Pasadena City College Community Education Center, 3035 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Emergency food assistance

Wildfire victims in Los Angeles County may be eligible for Disaster CalFresh food benefits, which provide one-time food assistance to impacted households. A family of four with a monthly income of up to $3,529 may qualify for $975 in food benefits.

Who qualifies?

Individuals and families who lived or worked in a wildfire-affected area in Los Angeles County on Jan. 7, 2025, may be eligible if they experienced one of the following:

  • Lost money due to wildfire-related expenses or power outages
  • Lost wages because of the wildfires
  • Paid for home or business repairs due to fire damage
  • Lost food because of the fires

How to apply

  • Call: 866-488-8482 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
  • Visit: A Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services office in person
  • Application window: Feb. 10-14, 2025, and Feb. 18-19, 2025

Additional food assistance

  • Hot food purchases: CalFresh recipients can buy hot, prepared foods in affected counties through Feb. 8, 2025.
  • Replacement food benefits: People who lost food purchased with CalFresh benefits have until Feb. 5, 2025, to request replacement benefits. Call 866-613-3777 for assistance.
  • Emergency food boxes: California has released $1 million in emergency food aid in partnership with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Find a food distribution location.

Preventing asbestos exposure

Wildfires can release toxic asbestos fibers from older structures, posing serious health risks to residents and first responders. Fire victims should use proper protective equipment during cleanup and avoid areas with debris from older buildings. Learn more about protecting yourself from asbestos exposure by visiting this guide on wildfire asbestos risks. For more on mesothelioma awareness, click here.

Tax relief for fire victims

Taxpayers in Los Angeles County affected by the wildfires may qualify for both income and property tax relief:

  • Income tax relief: Individuals, businesses, and tax-exempt organizations have until Oct. 15, 2025, to file their 2024 California tax returns and make payments. This extension aligns with federal deadlines. For more information, visit the California Franchise Tax Board’s Disaster Relief page.
  • Property tax relief: Property owners whose homes or businesses have sustained damage exceeding $10,000 may qualify for a reduction in their assessed property value under the Misfortune & Calamity (M&C) program. Claims must be filed within 12 months. For more information, visit the L.A. County Assessor’s Disaster Relief page or call (213) 974-3211.

Price gouging protections

In response to the declared state of emergency, price gouging—defined as increasing prices by more than 10%—is illegal for essential goods and services, including housing. This protection is in effect through Feb. 6, 2025, and may be extended. To report price gouging:

Evacuation and preparedness

Temporary housing and assistance

State resources hub

The state of California offers a centralized hub with resources for wildfire victims, including recovery efforts and assistance programs.