Los Angeles wildfire survivors can apply for federal aid today, new website launched to help Californians

News

Jan 10, 2025

What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom announced Los Angeles area wildfire survivors are able to apply for federal assistance today. The state also launched a new website - CA.gov/LAfires - to support survivors.

LOS ANGELES - Continuing the support to California communities and maximizing state and federal aid to those who have been adversely impacted by hurricane-force firestorm in Los Angeles County, Governor Gavin Newsom announced wildfire survivors are able to apply today for federal assistance.

"To the thousands of Californians who are impacted by these unprecedented fires, know that we have your back. Thanks to our strong partnership with the federal government and the President's swift action, Californians can apply now for federal assistance. Even as we make resources available to help folks recover, we're still laser-focused on fighting these fires and protecting lives and property."

Governor Gavin Newsom

Now that a Major Disaster has been declared by President Joe Biden, eligibility for federal programs will be based on the unique damage and extent of impacts incurred locally.

The Governor also announced California has launched CA.gov/LAfires to support wildfire survivors with resources and information detailing how to apply for federal assistance. Information is also available to print and distribute (PDF).

Get help today

Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires - a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Calling 800-621-3362
• By using the FEMA smart phone application
• Assistance is available in over 40 languages
• If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

In the days to come, disaster recovery centers will be activated in coordination with the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support survivors and businesses that have suffered disaster-related losses or damages. Each center is unique and locally driven with support from local, state, federal, and non-profit agencies.

State's all-in response

California has mobilized more than 12,000+ personnel including firefighters, guard service members, highway patrol officers and transportation teams to support the ongoing firefight.

In addition, these response efforts include more than 1,660 pieces of firefighting apparatus, including 1,150+ engines, 60+ aircraft, dozers and 100+ water tenders to aid in putting out the fires.

On Tuesday, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency and he subsequently issued an executive order to support communities affected by the ongoing fires. Text of the executive order is available here. On Wednesday, President Biden quickly approved Governor Newsom's request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support ongoing response efforts. The state also received continued federal assistance to combat the Hurst, Eaton, and Palisades Fires.

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