In the wake of the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires that began on January 7, 2025, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has activated several assistance programs to support residents of Los Angeles County. These initiatives aim to provide financial relief and resources to individuals and families impacted by the fires.

Key Assistance Programs:

1. Individual Assistance Program:

• Purpose: Offers financial aid for temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance.

• Eligibility: Residents of Los Angeles County who have sustained property damage or losses due to the wildfires.

• Application Process:

• Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to submit an application.

• Phone: Call FEMA’s helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. PST, seven days a week.

• In Person: FEMA has established Disaster Recovery Centers in Los Angeles County. Locations include the UCLA Research Park (formerly Westside Pavilion) in West Los Angeles and the Community Education Center at Pasadena City College. These centers provide in-person assistance with applications and answer questions about available aid.

2. Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG):

• Purpose: Provides federal funding to assist with firefighting costs incurred by state, local, and tribal agencies.

• Details: California secured FMAGs for both the Eaton and Palisades fires, ensuring that up to 75% of eligible firefighting expenses are covered by federal funds. 

Additional Resources:

• California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): Offers information on state-level assistance and resources for wildfire recovery. Visit Cal OES News for more details.

• Los Angeles County Recovery Resources: Provides updates on local recovery efforts, shelter locations, and additional support services. Access the latest information at LA County Recovers.

Important Considerations:

• Documentation: When applying for assistance, be prepared to provide proof of identity, residency, and details of the damages or losses incurred.

• Deadlines: Application periods for disaster assistance are time-sensitive. Residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure they receive the aid they need.

For comprehensive information on FEMA’s assistance programs and to stay updated on recovery efforts, residents can visit FEMA’s official website at FEMA.gov. Staying informed and proactive is crucial during this recovery period to access the support available.