News and Media: Disaster 4856

Los Angeles County communities impacted by wildfires are working with federal, state, and county agencies to safely remove and dispose of wildfire debris and ash at no cost to property owners. Homeowners who opt in to the debris removal program and also have fire debris removal insurance may have questions about how to navigate the process.

Homeowners and renters who have incurred damage or losses from the Los Angeles County wildfires that began Jan. 7 have until Monday, March 10, 2025, to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. The program provides financial and other assistance to eligible individuals and households to help meet their basic needs and supplement their wildfire recovery efforts.

FEMA cannot duplicate benefits by providing an award for recovery funds already provided by insurance; but if insurance does not completely cover recovery costs FEMA may be able to help.

A FEMA inspection is part of the process for verifying damage and loss for survivors who applied for FEMA assistance following the wildfires. Keep in mind this important information so you know what to expect.

On January 7, when wildfires first struck Los Angeles County and adjacent areas, more than 200,000 Californians were evacuated. State and local governments responded quicky to fight the blazes, employing more than 2,000 pieces of firefighting equipment – 80-plus aircraft, 200-plus bulldozers and more – which were soon bolstered by the governor’s activation of 2,500 National Guard troops and a request for a federal disaster declaration.