LA Fires 2025 Resources: Beginning Steps to Recovery
If you have been impacted by the California wildfires or if you are in a surrounding area here are some actions you may want to take. We have also gathered some resources that may provide information and guidance to help you or your family during this time of crisis.
Financial help
Financial help for individuals is available through FEMA. There are three ways to apply:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. This is the fastest and easiest way to apply.
- Through the FEMA App for mobile devices.
- By calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362, 4 AM to 10 PM (PST).
For help with applying see this video on how to apply: FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance
Loan Forbearance
(Mortgage, Auto, Personal):
You are expected to continue to pay your loan obligations, even if the home, auto, or other item was destroyed. Call each lender directly and see if there are accommodations that can be made, such as a hardship forbearance. A hardship forbearance may include skipping some months of payments (the amount will vary by provider) and having the maturity date pushed into the future. Note that interest will most likely still accrue and increase during the forbearance period.
Automobile
Automobile: Fire victims who need to replace lost or damaged DMV-related documents can do so free of charge at assistance centers in the impacted areas. Fire victims also can receive support at local DMV field offices, by calling DMV customer service at 1-800-777-0133 or by visiting www.dmv.ca.gov.
Vital Records
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is working with those who have lost vital records as a result of the disaster. Birth, death, and marriage records should be requested from the county recorder’s office in the county where the event occurred. For more information visit the CDPH website for a list of county recorders. Or you may call 916-445-2684
Things to remember!
- Document Everything! When it is safe for you to return to your property, take videos and photos. Keep a journal with a timeline from the date of the fire to the present day, documenting expenses for food, shelter, clothing, medications, and transportation. Save receipts to submit supplement your insurance claims.
- Ensure continued mail service: USPS mail forwarding. If you’re moving, submit a permanent change of address request so your USPS® mail is properly rerouted to your new address. If you’re only relocating for 15 days up to 1 year (like going to school or staying with family or friends), submit a temporary change of address request. If your housing situation is in flux, you may want to rent a P.O. Box for consistent mail delivery while you and your family are moving around.
- Medications – contact your doctor and local pharmacy if you need refills on prescriptions. Refer to your medical insurance policy, especially if you must move out of your home, with regards to in/out of network providers.
- Pets – Check with your Veterinarian to get copies of your pet’s records and prescriptions. If you need to re-locate, see if they will call the Veterinarian in your new area as a reference if there is a shortage of veterinarians taking new patients.
If your home burned
If your home burned, then documenting your home’s condition and furnishings may be difficult. Check your and your extended family/friends’ social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc) for recent photos to help with your insurance claims.
California Fire Foundation’s Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program provides a $250 gift card to eligible survivors of fire and natural disasters by firefighters on the scene who are enrolled in the SAVE program. Contact the California Fire Foundation at save@cpf.org or (916) 641-1707.
Tax Return Deadlines and Info:
In response to the recent wildfires, CDTFA has extended the January 31 sales and use tax filing deadline for Los Angeles County taxpayers until April 30, 2025. Relief and extensions beyond Los Angeles County are also available upon request. See the State of Emergency Tax Relief page for more information and a list of all tax programs covered by this relief.
Tax relief in disaster situations
The Internal Revenue Service announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in parts of California affected by wildfires and straight-line winds that began on Jan. 7, 2025. These taxpayers now have until Oct. 15, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.
The state of California has extended the application deadline for state financial aid programs. If you have a current or rising college student and are planning on filing the FASFA for potential financial aid – please look at this website
Be sure to use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid on the California Student Aid Commission’s website at by May 2, 2024.
General info websites or resources:
CA government 2025 Los Angeles Fires
A list of free and discounted resources for victims of Los Angeles-area fires
Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery: Financial Resources and Steps for Homeowners – Abacus Wealth
If you are suffering from the LA Fires and need Financial planning help, please reach out!
