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California Wildfires and Straight-line Winds
Incident Period: Jan 7, 2025 and continuing.
Declaration Date: Jan 8, 2025
Quick Links
- Recovery resources: State & Local | National
- Connect: Social Media | Mobile App & Text
- 24/7 counseling: Disaster Distress Helpline
On This Page
More About This Disaster
Local Resources
Local Information
Local News & Media
Visit the News & Media page for events, fact sheets, press releases and other multimedia resources.
What We Are Doing
FEMA and our federal partners are on the ground working closely with state and local officials to aid response and early recovery efforts.
Disaster Recovery Centers are now open for survivors to get in-person help with the application process. To find the nearest DRC, text “DRC” along with your ZIP Code to 43362.
What You Can Do
People in Los Angeles County affected by the wildfires should first contact their insurance company and then apply for disaster assistance.
Continue to pay close attention to instructions from state and local officials as wildfire response efforts continue.
Shelters
State-run and nonprofit shelters are open and partners like the American Red Cross and others are providing a safe place to stay, meals and emotional comfort to people. To find a shelter, text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362, visit redcross.org/shelter or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Family Reunification
If you need help reconnecting with loved ones missing after the wildfires:
- Visit the Red Cross website
- Call 800-733-2767 and provide as much details as possible to help operators locate loved ones.
Beware of Fraud and Scams
After a disaster scam artists often attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors. Visit Disaster Fraud for tips to protect your identity and stay informed. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately: email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov, call 1-866-223-0814, or fax 202-212-4926.
Stay in Touch with FEMA
After you apply, let us know if anything changes. You can make updates in your online account on DisasterAssistance.gov at any time to do the following:
- Update your personal information and needs
- Review your disaster assistance application
- See letters FEMA sends you
- Get details about or upload additional documents FEMA may need to process your application or appeal
You can also call the FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center for in-person assistance.
Application Status
You can check your status at DisasterAssistance.gov and upload updated information as needed.
If your application status says, “Not Approved,” this can be for a variety of reasons. Check online for a copy of your determination letter that will explain the specific reasons you are not approved. Many times, we just need some extra information, or you may need to correct information.
Local Informational Resources
Find information on evacuation, shelters, road closures, fire status updates and more:
- CA.gov: 2025 Los Angeles Fires
- CAL FIRE Incidents
- City of Los Angeles
- Los Angeles County
- Greater Los Angeles Wildfires | 211LA.
- L.A. Works
- Local air quality on AirNow.gov
Review Safety Tips on Ready.gov
Mental Health Resources for Disaster Survivors
Use these resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
988 Crisis Lifeline
Sometimes help can’t wait. If you or someone you know is in danger or having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Access the 988 Crisis Lifeline by dialing/texting 988 or chatting at 988lifeline.org. You will speak with a crisis counselor any time of day or night.
Disaster Distress Hotline
The helpline is open to anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. This includes survivors of disasters; loved ones of victims; first responders; rescue, recovery, and relief workers; clergy; and parents and caregivers. You may call for yourself or on behalf of someone else.
You can call the toll-free, multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline for confidential counseling, referrals and other support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call or text 1-800-985-5990. Spanish speakers should press “2”. Deaf and hard of hearing ASL callers can text the helpline, or call the hotline using a preferred third party Relay service.
How to Help
Volunteer and Donate
Recovery can take many years after a disaster. There are many ways to help such as donating cash, needed items or your time. Learn more about how to help those in need.
Don’t self-deploy to disaster areas. Trusted organizations in the affected areas know where volunteers are needed. Work with an established organization to make sure you have the appropriate safety, training and skills needed to respond.
FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaisons (VALs) build relationships and coordinate efforts with voluntary, faith-based and community organizations active in disasters.
Doing Business with FEMA
If you are interested in providing paid services and goods for disaster relief, visit our Doing Business with FEMA page to get started.
If you own a business involved with debris removal and want to work on clean-up efforts in affected areas, please contact the local government in affected areas to offer your services.
Funding Obligations
Individual Assistance | Amount |
---|---|
Total Housing Assistance (HA) - Dollars Approved | $6,336,569.06 |
Total Other Needs Assistance (ONA) - Dollars Approved | $42,514,490.29 |
Total Individual & Households Program Dollars Approved | $48,851,059.35 |
Individual Assistance Applications Approved | 22269 |