Eaton Wildfire Resources

Banner collage with food & clothes aid following Eaton fire with text saying

 

The Eaton Fire ignited on January 7, 2025, in Eaton Canyon located in the Altadena-Pasadena region of Los Angeles County. The fire burned 14,021 acres and destroyed more than 9,000 structures before being fully contained on January 31. We are enormously grateful to our firefighters and all first responders for their dedication and perseverance. 

My office is here to support you during this difficult time. Below, you will find essential information and resources to help protect yourself, your family, and your property during the wildfire emergency.

 

Contact Our Office for Help 

If you need additional assistance, our office is here to help.

Follow us for recovery resources and updates:

Ongoing Recovery & Relief Programs 

Engaged California: Get involved in guiding the recovery!

Residents impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires have an opportunity to help directly shape the next steps of rebuilding their communities. The State of California has created Engaged California! The first phase of the engagement with fire survivors has led to a series of early actions guided by residents’ input, including streamlined permitting technology for local communities. Learn more and sign up at: https://engaged.ca.gov/lafires-recovery/

 

Blueprint for Rebuilding

Los Angeles County has created the foundation for a flexible, coordinated operational plan to support businesses and residents as debris removal winds down and rebuilding accelerates. Highlights are at LA County Forward: Blueprint for Rebuilding.

 

Mortgage Assistance

The CalAssist Mortgage Fund is a new state program that provides much-needed relief from mortgage payments for displaced families whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable by the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire. You may eligible if your primary residence was destroyed or is uninhabitable, you meet program income limits, you have a mortgage or reverse mortgage, and you own a single-family home, condo or permanently affixed manufactured home (may include up to 4 units). If you qualify and are selected, the Fund will pay three months of mortgage payments, up to a maximum of $20,000. Funds do not have to be repaid and it’s free to apply. Grants will be paid directly to your mortgage servicer. The program begins taking applications this Thursday, June 12, 2025. Funds are limited and once submitted, applications will be reviewed in the order received. Go to https://www.calassistmortgagefund.org/ and click APPLY NOW. If you have questions, call 1-800-501-0019, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.  This new disaster mortgage relief program is managed by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).

 

Order Suspending Solar/Battery Requirements:

On Monday, July 7, 2025, Governor Newsom signed an Executive Order that suspended rooftop solar and battery storage installation requirements for those rebuilding homes that were lost in the January 2025 wildfires. Residents rebuilding their homes are no longer required to install rooftop solar panels or battery storage systems. However, homes must still be solar-ready and include the wiring and space needed for solar in the future. To learn more, click here. 
 

Federal FEMA and SBA Assistance

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Small Business Administration (SBA) are available: 

Altadena Community Center
730 E. Altadena Dr.
Altadena, CA 91001
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed weekends.


Track Your FEMA Assistance Application

If you applied for FEMA assistance, it’s important to stay in touch with FEMA to track and update your application should you receive an insurance settlement or denial and as your situation changes to work through any approval processes. FEMA representatives can explain available assistance programs and help you with resources for your recovery needs.

Rental Assistance is available for eligible individuals and families who were displaced by the wildfires. If you were displaced and need assistance covering housing costs, you should contact FEMA to determine your eligibility for this program. 

SBA’s Customer Service Representatives are available at the Centers to answer questions, help applicants complete their disaster loan application, accept documents, and provide updates on an application’s status.


Right of Entry Status 

Property owners who submitted a Right of Entry form for fire debris removal by the April 15 deadline, can monitor real-time updates on their submission on the LA County ROE Status Dashboard.


State Department of Insurance Assistance 

For Los Angeles County residents affected by Eaton Fire, the CA Department of Insurance has resources available during the rebuilding and recovery process. Here is a link to Dept. of Insurance wildfire resources. 

 

LA County Assessor 

The County Assessor has the Property Tax Installment Deferral Application and the Application for Reassessment Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity posted on its website.


DMV Suspends Fees 

For qualifying individuals impacted by the Eaton, Palisades, Hurst, Woodley, and Linda fires, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has waived the fees for those who have lost their driver’s license, ID card, vehicle registration, or title. Sticker replacements can now be requested at no cost. Deadlines for vehicle registrations and title transfers are extended, and no late penalties will be applied during this period. For more information, visit the DMV webpage by clicking here or call 1 (800) 777-0133. 


Mental Health Resources

  • Mental Health Resources for those Impacted by Wildfire
    • 24/7 Mental Health Helpline for Emergency and Clinical Services: 1 (800) 854-7771
  • American Red Cross: Disasters can be particularly challenging for children, seniors, and people with disabilities, and non-English speakers, who often need extra care. For free multilingual 24/7 counseling or support, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

     

Legislative Efforts for Survivors 

Town Hall: Rebuilding Together: Navigating Recovery Resources & Debris Removal

On January 30, I hosted a Town Hall meeting in partnership with Congresswoman Judy Chu and Assemblymember John Harabedian to bring together experts to address recovery, resources and rebuilding. The first half of the meeting dealt with resources and the second half focused on the debris removal process. Thank you to everyone who attended in person or watched on the live stream. We heard from community members that the information was very valuable. Here is the YouTube link to watch parts of or the entire Town Hall. My office is here to help if you need further assistance. 


$2.5 Billion Legislation to help fire victims passes 

I voted to pass urgent legislation to help the victims of the Eaton and Palisades Fires recover. In addition, I have worked to advocate for new mortgage relief for impacted homeowners. The legislation, SBX1-3 and related measures, authorizes $2.5 billion from the General Fund for Emergency Response and Recovery purposes. Watch my comments on the Senate Floor.

 This funding is just the beginning. More legislation is coming.

 

 

Wildfire Safety & Preparedness 

Check out the Cal Fire Guide for creating a Wildfire Action Plan to prepare yourself and your family.

 

Your Wildfire Action Plan should include:

  • Meeting point: A predetermined meeting location outside high-risk areas to determine who has evacuated from the affected area.
  • Escape routes: Several escape routes, known to all in your household. Practice these often so everyone in your family knows where to go.
  • Animal arrangements: Specific arrangements for pets and larger animals, like horses and other livestock.
  • Communication plan: A family communication strategy names someone outside the area to be the main contact point for all family members if you get separated or have trouble with phone networks.
  • Create an Emergency Supply Kit: Checklist for Evacuation


Ensure your wildfire ‘Go Bag’ includes:

  • A 3-day supply of non-perishable food & 3 gallons of water per person
  • A map with at least 2 evacuation routes
  • Necessary prescriptions or medications
  • A change of clothes & extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
  • Extra car keys, credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks
  • A first aid kit & sanitation supplies
  • A flashlight & battery-powered radio with extra batteries
  • Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
  • Pet food & water


**Always have sturdy shoes and a flashlight near your bed, ready for sudden night evacuations.


Protect your home from wildfires by learning about defensible space, the buffer between your structure and the surrounding area.


Stay Informed

  • LA County Fire: @LACoFDPIO
  • LA County Sheriff: @LASDHQ
  • LA County: @CountyofLA
  • Office of Emergency Management: @ReadyLACounty
     

 

Volunteer & Donation Opportunities 

And for those who want to support, here are a few local organizations doing the on-the-ground work:

  • California Fire Foundation: Provides supports to firefighter families, immediate assistance to disaster survivors, and promotes public safety and community improvement.
  • American Red Cross: Focused on providing vital assistance to those in need by offering emergency shelter, food, and emotional support, especially during disaster relief.


Engage in local initiatives like disaster preparedness education, food distribution, and health promotion with the Red Cross.