WE KNOW THIS WILL BE A TOUGH PROCESS. WE ARE HERE TO HELP
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We would like to thank the courageous firefighters, first responders, and volunteers for their commitment and tireless efforts.
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Restoration and recovery guide for residents affected by the fires
According to the LACounty.gov website, residents in some evacuated areas are gradually being allowed to return to their properties, though heavily impacted communities may face longer wait times. Efforts are underway to ensure a safe return, including safety inspections, search operations, damage assessments and utility restorations. EPA officials are also working with local teams to evaluate and remove toxic materials, paving the way for debris clearance.
Daily decisions regarding reentry will be made by field incident management teams for the Palisades and Eaton fires in coordination with relevant agencies. Updates will be shared with the public as soon as they become available.
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Residents can stay informed and access updated damage assessment maps by visiting recovery.lacounty.gov.
Property owners may obtain Right of Entry debris clearance forms on the county’s recovery website at recovery.lacounty.gov available starting Tuesday, Jan. 28. These forms grant authorization for debris removal teams to access private property and begin cleanup operations.
Before entering an area severely damaged or destroyed by a wildfire, ensure local authorities have deemed it safe for entry. Once clearance is granted, take necessary precautions to protect your health and safety.
Only enter during daylight hours to better identify and avoid hazards. Wear a properly fitted N95 mask to prevent inhaling harmful particles, along with safety goggles to protect your eyes from smoke, ash, and debris. Dress in protective clothing, including gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes with socks. If ash comes into contact with your skin, wash it off immediately with warm water and soap.
For a complete list of safety tips from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, click here.
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When residents are allowed to return to their property, here are steps to take to start the rebuilding process:
Key contacts:
• Building and grading/drainage: Local LA County Public Works Building and Safety offices can be found at the Public Works website.
• Septic systems: LA County Environmental Health 626-430-5380
• Fire prevention: LA County Fire Headquarters 323-890-4132. Local district office numbers are at fire.lacounty.gov.
• Geology and soils: County Public Works Geotechnical and Materials Engineering 626458-4925.
• Planning and zoning: County Department of Regional Planning: 213-974-6411. Local office numbers can be found at planning.lacounty.gov.
• Fire debris removal: 888-CLEANLA/888-253-2652
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Phase 1: Household hazardous waste assessment and removal
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been assigned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to survey, remove, and dispose of hazardous materials from properties impacted by the fires. This work is free to residents and is already underway with assistance from the Department of Toxic Substances Control and local agencies.
As the first stage of cleanup, USEPA will remove potentially dangerous everyday products like:
• Paint
• Cleaners and solvents
• Oils
• Batteries
• Pesticides
EPA field teams will remove asbestos and inspect pressurized fuel cylinders such as propane tanks. They will also remove items thought to have asbestos if they are easy to identify, but the property will not be fully cleared until Phase 2 debris removal.
If you have specific questions about Phase 1 hazardous material removal, please email EPALAWildfiresInfo@epa.gov or call 1-833-R9-USEPA (1-833-798-7372).
For general questions about fire debris removal, please contact the Removal Hotline at 844-FIRE DEBRIS/844-347-3332, available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also visit pw.lacounty.gov/epd/ debris-removal for more information.
For more information on Phase 1 visit: recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/hazardousmaterial.
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Phase 2: Debris removal and clean up
Residents should not attempt to remove hazardous fire debris themselves. Post-fire house debris is hazardous because it can contain toxic materials like asbestos, lead, mercury, chemicals from household products and other heavy metals which are released into the ash and debris when structures burn. These materials pose a risk to health if inhaled or handled improperly.
Planning is underway for Debris removal activities in coordination with the county Office of Emergency Management and state and federal agencies. Residents should check recovery. lacounty.gov frequently for updates on the debris removal program.
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FEMA
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; and
3. The FEMA Helpline at 1-800-6213362.
Calls are accepted every day from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. 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.
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U.S. Small Business Administration
SBA disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses of all sizes affected by the wildfires and straight-line winds in California.
See if your county is eligible for an SBA disaster loan.
Types of available disaster loans:
• Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disasterdamaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
• Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, nonprofit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities and other entities are also eligible.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private, nonprofit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
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Assessor’s disaster response
The Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office is supporting property owners during this difficult time. While a comprehensive damage assessment is underway, the agency is mobilizing resources to assist affected residents, including:
• On-the-ground support: Assessor staff will be present at the Local Assistance Centers to provide guidance and resources to property owners.
• Property tax relief: The county will process “misfortune and calamity” claims to provide property tax relief for damaged or destroyed properties.
“Misfortune and calamity” property tax relief
Property owners whose homes or businesses were damaged or destroyed by the wildfires may qualify for temporary property tax relief under the “Misfortune and Calamity” program.
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Key Details:
• Eligibility: The damage must exceed $10,000 in current market value.
• Filing deadline: Claims must be filed within 12 months of the date of the damage.
• Benefits: Approved claims may result in temporary property tax reductions, with values adjusted until repairs or rebuilding are completed.
• For more information or to download the claim form ADS-820, visit assessor.lacounty. gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief or call 213-974-3211.
Assessor’s Office updates
As of Jan. 13, all in-person operations at assessor offices have resumed. However, officials encouraged the public to use assessor.lacounty.gov to complete tasks online whenever possible.
It’s also recommended to request the United States Post Office to hold or reroute your mail. Please go here for more information.
e-Service account sign-up
Property owners were encouraged to sign up for an “Assessor e-Service Account” on the agency’s website to:
• Enroll in the Homeowner Alert Program, which sends email notifications within 48 hours of specific activities on your property records; and
• Access the e-File Program to handle property-related filings conveniently.
Visit assessor.lacounty.gov or call 213-974-3211 to learn more about filing a claim or to receive assistance.
