News and Media: Disaster 4856

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.

Los Angeles County wildfire survivors who applied with FEMA may have received initial funding for Displacement Assistance. If they still have housing needs, they should reach out to FEMA. Additional rental assistance for short-term housing may be available to eligible applicants.

FEMA Rental Assistance is a temporary grant available to FEMA applicants whose homes remain uninhabitable after the wildfires. It pays for a place to live while their home is being repaired or rebuilt, or while they look for a new home to rent. Potential landlords can find out more about rental assistance below.

As more Eaton Canyon and Pacific Palisades neighborhoods impacted by Los Angeles County wildfires open to residents, city and county officials caution that these areas are still dangerous, due to considerable risks remaining from waste, unstable burned buildings, and utility crews using heavy equipment.

Self-employed individuals in Los Angeles who became unemployed as a direct result of the wildfires, may apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) and/or U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans.