United in Recovery: Forging a Path to Healing and Strength
At least 27 lives have been lost in the wildfires, with more than 13,800 structures reduced to ashes. Resilience is the cornerstone of overcoming adversity, especially in times of disaster. It reflects the ability to withstand challenges, adapt, recover, and emerge stronger. In the face of unforeseen crises, resilience empowers individuals, communities, and organizations to endure and thrive.
As Los Angeles County stands united in the face of devastating wildfires, the rollout of recovery resources is a testament to our community’s resilience and determination. These efforts are more than just rebuilding homes—they’re about rebuilding lives. Local Disaster Recovery Centers exemplify the incredible collaboration of resources.
On Friday, January, 17, 2025, Mayor Bass announced, her appointment of Steve Soboroff to serve as the Chief Recovery Officer for the City of Los Angeles to kick off the City’s rebuild and recovery effort initiated by her Emergency Executive issued last week.
We understand the urgency of your needs and remain steadfast in providing the assistance you require. Visit EKA’s Wildfire Recovery page to access critical updates and resources, including guidance on applying for aid, tax relief information, and support for employers navigating these challenging times. Together, we’ll rise above this and forge a path toward recovery.
FEMA Application Assistance
If you’re facing challenges with your FEMA application, don’t worry—help is readily available. You can contact their helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to speak directly with a representative who can assist you. For in-person support, visit your nearest Disaster Recovery Center, where knowledgeable staff can guide you through the process and answer your questions. Don’t hesitate to get the assistance you need!
GoFundMe Help Could Limit FEMA Assistance For Fire Victims
Over $100 million has been raised for California wildfire victims on GoFundMe, but these donations could potentially limit the financial assistance available through FEMA. FEMA provides aid for disaster-related losses but cannot duplicate funds already covered by other sources, such as insurance or donations. For instance, if a GoFundMe campaign explicitly raises money for a specific expense, such as replacing a vehicle or home repairs, FEMA may not provide additional aid for that same need. FEMA officials advise survivors to carefully describe their needs on fundraising platforms to avoid affecting their eligibility for government assistance. While GoFundMe can cover immediate expenses, FEMA evaluates each application individually to ensure survivors receive the aid they are eligible for. Survivors are still encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance regardless of donations received.
Lodging Support for Fire Victims
The Hotel Association of Los Angeles has created a dynamic list of hotels offering discounted or free stays for fire victims. Updated in real-time, this Google spreadsheet resource includes contact details and exclusive fire-relief rates to help those in need.
Rental Price Gouging Protections Extended
Governor Newsom has extended price gouging protections for rental housing in Los Angeles County, while Attorney General Rob Bonta has pledged to take action against landlords violating these rules by unfairly increasing rents following the county’s devastating fires. Under California law, price gouging protections are activated during a state of emergency, generally prohibiting landlords, hotels, and motels from raising prices by more than 10% above their pre-crisis rates or advertised amounts. Originally set to expire in February, these protections have now been extended through March 8 under Newsom’s executive order.
LADWP
The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power is providing updates via their LADWP News website. Keep up to date with information about power outages, drinking water notices and other information as the developments evolve.
Hotlines Streamline Help for Animals
You can report lost and found animals or animals left behind by calling the Eaton Fire Animal Rescue Hotline at (626) 577-3752. If you need help retrieving your pet from an evacuation area, please call (213) 270-8155. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Pasadena Humane Society website. Residents evacuated within the City of LA should call (213) 270-8155, and a care team will assist. If you found a pet or if you lost a pet, please visit PetCo Love Lost System.
Local Assistance Centers & Disaster Recovery Centers
Local Assistance Centers & Disaster Recovery Centers are open to the public every day from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. The centers are a centralized space for residents impacted by the fires to obtain county, state and federal services. To see a full list of agencies at the centers, click here.
Altadena Fire Recovery Information & Resources
The Altadena Town Council has created a dedicated website for recovery resources at recoveryaltadena.com
Order Prohibiting Removal of Fire Debris
Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis issued an order prohibiting the cleanup or removal of fire debris from critical fire areas, including Pacific Palisades and Altadena, until hazardous materials inspections are completed. Fire debris, which may contain asbestos, heavy metals, and other toxic substances, poses risks through inhalation, skin contact, or contamination of water supplies. Improper handling could spread these hazards, endangering workers, residents, and the environment.
The cleanup will occur in two phases. The first involves a hazardous materials assessment of burned properties by the Los Angeles County Fire Health & Hazardous Materials Agency with state and federal partners. This will determine the necessary cleanup process. The second phase involves debris removal and disposal, managed by state and federal agencies, with property owners either opting into these programs or hiring contractors post-assessment.
The order restricts the removal of fire debris, such as burnt building materials, household items, and contaminated soil, but does not apply to personal property removal. It includes areas affected by the Kenneth, Creek, Hurst, and Lidia fires. More information on the debris removal program will be released later.
Free N95 Masks Available Now At Los Angeles County Libraries
To protect residents from toxic air quality in areas throughout the region, N95 masks are being made available for free at the following Los Angeles County libraries:
La Cañada Flintridge Library
4545 N Oakwood Ave.
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
La Crescenta Library
2809 Foothill Blvd.
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Live Oak Library
22 W Live Oak Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
San Fernando Library
217 N Maclay Ave.
San Fernando, CA 91340
San Gabriel Library
500 S Del Mar Ave.
San Gabriel, CA 91776
Temple City Library
5939 Golden West Ave.
Temple City, CA 917804
West Hollywood Library
625 N San Vicente Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
American Red Cross Accelerated Outreach to Individuals and Families Impacted
For individuals and families impacted by the wildfires in Southern California, the American Red Cross is offering help to recover. The American Red Cross is currently reaching out to wildfire survivors to discuss their eligibility for financial assistance.
- People in designated areas will receive text messages, emails, and phone calls to let them know that they are eligible for aid from the American Red Cross. Please follow the steps outlined in that message or visit redcross.org/gethelp to learn more.
- Please be aware of scams or people posing as Red Cross representatives. Individuals will receive an invitation via email and text based on the contact information the American Red Cross has for the people in the designated areas.
- If individuals are unsure whether the American Red Cross reached out, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).
Resources
- LA City Housing Department: Offering support for renters affected by the fire. Visit lacity.gov for more details.
- Pasadena Unified School District Grab and Go: Meals available for children and youth between 9 am – 11 am, Monday through Friday. Find locations here.
- Disaster Recovery Center: Open daily at UCLA Research Park (10850 Pico Blvd.). It will operate from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm, 7 days a week for the next several weeks. Offers support for lost documents, disaster loans, and other essential services.
- Hotel Assistance: Emergency hotel vouchers are available through 211 L.A. in partnership with Hilton, American Express, and Airbnb. Apply online here: Emergency Services Request
- You can access nearby Evacuation Centers at the Westwood Recreation Center – 1350 S Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025; Stoner Recreation Center – 1835 Stoner Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025; and the Pan Pacific Recreation Center – 7600 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Fact Check
Governor Newsom has actively challenged his critics for spreading misinformation and disinformation. He has addressed these issues in interviews with both traditional and new media, on social media platforms, and through a new dedicated fact-checking website: California Fire Facts. CalMatters has put together valuable and insightful information regarding the wildfires:
- How big are the fires? CalMatters’ has created a map tool to visualize perimeters over any address.
- Debunking six videos and images spreading gross disinformation during LA’s fires: These videos can be dangerous, causing mass panic, outrage, danger, and enmity where it doesn’t need to be. It’s more urgent than ever that we learn to question what we see and avoid sharing things we cannot confirm or just outright created by AI. (LA TACO
- GoFundMe pitfalls: If you’ve been affected by the fires and started a GoFundMe campaign, be aware that it could affect what federal aid you’re eligible for. (LAist)
Looking to Help? Monetary Contributions Encouraged
Los Angeles County is seeing an overwhelming outpouring of generosity from the public looking to assist our fellow residents who have been displaced or suffered devastating losses from these fires. The best way to help is to contribute to a verified, reputable charitable organization like those listed on the Emergency Network Los Angeles website. You can also email info@enla.org or call (424) 421-4349. People interested in volunteering can contact ENLA’s partner organization, LA WORKS, at laworks.com.
Support Justice-Involved Firefighters
When the severe wildfires devastated Los Angeles, California Department of Corrections Fire Camp Program firefighters supported Cal Fire’s efforts to end these devastating fires. These young people, who are risking their lives to protect our communities, need our support now more than ever. When these firefighters finish their sentence and are released, they will need help paying rent, securing a job, reuniting with their families, expunging their records, and accessing supportive services like therapy and substance abuse treatment. Your support for these firefighters can make a real difference.
Please consider donating at the link below. Every dollar will go directly towards supporting these brave individuals in their habilitation, recovery, and reentry journey. It’s a powerful way to thank them for their service and sacrifice.
Public Health Services
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health ensures all individuals, regardless of immigration status, have access to essential services. Immigration status will never be a barrier to care. Available services include:
- Clinic Services: Comprehensive care at public health clinics.
- Home-Based Programs: In-home health support for families and individuals.
- School-Based Programs: Health services for students and families.
- Infectious Disease Programs: Prevention, testing, treatment, and education for COVID-19, tuberculosis, and more.
- Programs for Vulnerable Populations: Support for children, individuals with substance use disorders, and other at-risk groups.
California law and county policies protect against immigration enforcement in health services, ensuring confidentiality and privacy. Public Health prioritizes inclusivity and equity, fostering trust and improving wellness across Los Angeles County. For more information, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov or call (833) 540-0473, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, daily.
Emergency Preparedness
For employers in impacted areas, this disaster underscores the importance of reviewing emergency preparedness plans, addressing immediate workplace safety risks, and navigating complex employment and staffing challenges while striving to maintain critical business functions. Compassionate communication and employee flexibility are essential as many face displacement and personal loss.
- Emergency Plans and Communication Protocols: Employers with employees or workplaces affected by wildfires should review and update their emergency response plans and communication protocols. It’s essential to consult emergency contact lists to facilitate efficient communication. Clear and consistent communication helps ensure employee safety, track staff during evacuations, and inform them of potential hazards affecting the workplace or transportation routes.
- Business Continuity: Employers should identify critical business functions and develop strategies to maintain these operations during the wildfire emergency. Proactive planning minimizes disruptions and helps sustain essential services.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: In light of evacuation orders and travel advisories, employers may need to close physical workplaces or explore alternative arrangements for employees. Consider implementing temporary remote work options, adjusting work schedules to address transportation or safety concerns, or temporarily suspending operations if necessary to prioritize employee safety.
Workplace Safety and Health
- Workplace Safety Obligations: Natural disasters, such as wildfires, often amplify the challenges of maintaining workplace safety. Employers must ensure that employees are not exposed to unmitigated hazards, even if displaced from their normal operating environments. Under the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) guidelines, employers are responsible for addressing safety concerns to protect their workforce during emergencies.
- Wildfire Smoke Hazards: Wildfire smoke poses significant health risks, particularly in outdoor workplaces. Cal/OSHA mandates compliance with its wildfire smoke standard when the Air Quality Index (AQI) for PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or smaller) reaches 151 or higher or when employees are reasonably expected to be exposed to wildfire smoke. Employers should refer to Cal/OSHA’s resources on wildfire smoke standards to ensure compliance and protect employees’ health.
California Employers Association
The California Employers Association has opened its phone lines to all California businesses during this time of crisis at no charge. If your company has been impacted by the fires and you have HR questions, please call our HR Support Team at 800-399-5331. They are available Monday-Friday, 8 am–5 pm.
Los Angeles’s Fair Work Week Ordinance
The City of Los Angeles has confirmed that store closures caused by wildfires qualify as an exception under the Fair Work Week Ordinance. This ordinance typically requires covered employers to provide employees with at least 14 days’ notice of their work schedules. Employees are also permitted to decline shifts or schedule changes made after this notice period. However, the ordinance allows exceptions for disruptions caused by force majeure events, such as fires, floods, earthquakes, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, and other natural disasters or civil disturbances that compromise an employer’s operations.
Leaves of Absence
Employers may need to grant leave under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and/or the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for employees with serious health conditions caused or worsened by natural disasters, including wildfire smoke. These laws also entitle employees to leave to care for covered family members experiencing a serious health condition or medical emergency resulting from a natural disaster.
Cal-WARN Requirements
The ongoing Los Angeles wildfires may compel employers to downsize their workforce or temporarily suspend operations. Under the California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (Cal-WARN), employers must generally provide 60 days’ notice of mass layoffs, plant closures, or relocations of more than 100 miles. However, Cal-WARN includes an exemption for situations involving a “physical calamity,” relieving employers of this notice requirement under such extraordinary circumstances.