We’ve compiled a list of the most helpful wildfire-related resources and updates for residents and city officials

Cal Cities is working with state officials to ensure cities and residents have key resources

By Jolena Voorhis, legislative affairs lobbyist, Meghan McKelvey, department and member services senior manager, and Brian Hendershot, Cal Cities Advocate managing editor

The fires raging in Southern California have put even some of the most seasoned public officials firmly in uncharted territory. Misinformation campaigns, artificial intelligence-fueled scams, and federal brinksmanship are worsening what will likely be two of the most destructive wildfires in California's history. We've compiled a list of trusted resources to help officials cut through the noise and focus on response and recovery.

What website should I go to for updates and resources?

Ca.gov/LAfires/ is a one-stop shop for essential resources and information. The website includes links to disaster assistance, real-time updates and safety tips, information on consumer protections, and other resources.

What other government resources are out there?

Cal Cities has compiled a comprehensive list of federal, state, and local resources and activated a peer network of city managers to help cities in affected areas. For more information about the network, please contact your regional public affairs manager.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency released a one-page on available resources, including rental assistance, and opened its disaster recovery centers on Wednesday in the LA region. Listos California, a division of Cal OES, pulled together key information and resources to help local leaders reach impacted communities.

What is the best way to get my insurance questions answered?

The California FAIR Plan extended its phone lines and operating hours to accommodate the surge in claims. The FAIR Plan and Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara will participate in two free workshops for consumers led by the California Department of Insurance to help people understand their insurance policies and claims process. The workshops will be held January 18-19 at Santa Monica College and January 25-26 at Pasadena City College.

I want to provide support or connect with nonprofits.

Many companies and nonprofits are on the ground offering resources. For example, AT&T and FirstNet are waiving charges for affected residential and business wireline orders and deploying backup solutions to help keep residents and first responders connected. To coordinate with such organizations, email Abby Browning, Chief of Private Sector & NGO Coordination Office, at [email protected].

Additionally, Philanthropy California created a list of vetted funds, resources, and events to help direct resources to nonprofits active in place-based relief and recovery efforts, with a special focus on supporting communities facing structural inequities.

What are state and federal policymakers doing in response?

Gov. Gavin Newsom called on lawmakers to approve at least $2.5 billion in spending to speed up wildfire recovery, cleanup, and preparedness and reopen schools using the state's emergency reserve account and funds from Proposition 4.

Both State Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas supported the proposal. McGuire called the request "a down payment that will kickstart the clean-up of neighborhoods and start the process of rebuilding lives." Republican leaders have also called for swift action. Lawmakers will likely vote on the proposals by Jan. 27.

The Governor also signed three executive orders. One lifts certain environmental rules to speed up rebuilding and extends price gouging protections. The other would make it easier to clear debris and prepare for the eventual mudslides and flooding that typically follow wildfires. A third order signed on Wednesday would expedite clean-up efforts.

The Governor also signed two executive orders. One lifts certain environmental rules to speed up rebuilding and extends price gouging protections. The other would make it easier to clear debris and prepare for the eventual mudslides and flooding that typically follow wildfires.

At the federal level, House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that some GOP lawmakers want to tie federal aid to a debt limit increase. According to Politico, lawmakers from other disaster-hit states will likely use the opportunity to push for more federal dollars for their state, further complicating the process. The Republican party holds a narrow majority in both houses.

What relief are state agencies providing?

The California Franchise Tax Board will provide state disaster tax relief for taxpayers and businesses affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, according to an email from the Office of State Controller.

The California Department of Housing and Community Development has extended or reopened notices of funding for three federal programs and five state programs. It will also extend the deadline for some cities to rezone their housing elements and respond to enforcement letters. The department is also increasing its technical assistance capacity.

How can I spot outlandish (and false) claims?

Officials are having to dedicate precious resources to false claims and scams. Bad actors have falsely claimed that California turned away fire trucks because of their emission levels, spread fake images of burnt structures, or that there is rampant looting. KQED released an overview of many of the false claims and a short primer on how to spot other inaccurate claims.

Other outlets have also dedicated resources to the still massive blazes. CalMatters, in collaboration with PBS SoCal, LAist, and KCRW, released a wildfire newsletter. The Los Angeles Times lifted its paywall on all wildfire-related stories.

Some of these websites are experiencing higher-than-usual traffic and may be temporarily unavailable.

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