WILDFIRE RELIEF RESOURCES 

The San Gabriel Valley and many other parts of Southern California are dealing with massive wildfires this week. We would like to share resources for those who have been impacted, and opportunities to help those in need.

Up to Date Information

The latest up-to-date information on the current fires can be found through the following:

Los Angeles County: To view real time evacuation, shelter, and other information visit Alert LA County

CalFire: To view ongoing emergency responses in California visit https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents

AQMD: To stay informed about wildfire smoke conditions and real-time Air Quality in your area. http://aqmd.gov/aqimap

Current Gas Availability: SoCalGas has constant updates on where service has been restored.

Red Cross Fire Relief Briefing: The Los Angeles area Red Cross has up-to-the-minute information on fires and relief efforts.

President Biden made a “major disaster declaration,” which allows for immediate cash assistance for parties affected for food, prescriptions and other necessary costs like baby formula. People can contact disasterassistance.gov or call (800) 621-3362. Also increasing coverage from 75% to 100% for 180 days for things like debris and hazardous materials removal, temporary shelter and 1st responder salaries.

Watch Duty: https://www.watchduty.org/ - a nonprofit that alerts the public of nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real-time.

LAist: The culture website has compiled a list of resources: https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/resources-for-socal-fire-victims-evacuees-and-first-responders.

Mutual Aid LA Network: An extensive list of resources for fire evacuees and folks who want to help.

Assistance & Other Services

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Residents & businesses in evacuation zones can apply now for relief at http://disasterassistance.gov.

This includes:

• Temporary displacement assistance (e.g., hotel costs for 2 weeks)
• $770 for essential personal items
• Large grants for needs like medical bills & car repairs

You can also call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.

Multilingual Resources from the California Department of Insurance: Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara's office is offering timely resources on their webpage.

Misfortune and Calamity Tax Relief: You may be eligible for tax relief if your property is damaged or destroyed by a calamity, such as fire or flooding. To qualify, you must file an Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (ADS-820) with the Assessor’s Office within 12 months from the date the property was damaged or destroyed. The loss must exceed $10,000 of current market value. https://assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief

211 LA: provides assistance and referrals to local resources for housing, food, health, and other services. Dial 211 or visit 211la.org.

CAR Rentals: An extensive list of resources is available from the California Apartment Rentals Association.

Spectrum: To help keep people connected in impacted communities, Spectrum has opened more than 35,000 out-of-home WiFi access points to be available to all users at no cost. spectrum.net/CAfires

AT&T announced it is offering wildfire areas unlimited data, talk and text through Feb. 6. Visit their official site for a list of valid zip codes.

Verizon announced it will waive call, text and data charges for customers in hardest hit areas. The company also deployed free WIFI and charging stations at three wildfire shelters.

The American Red Cross offers shelter, meals, and emotional support. Visit Red Cross Find Open Shelters or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

AirBnB’s Open Homes Program connects those displaced with free temporary housing. Learn More Here

Uber and Lyft re offering free rides up to for evacuees to designated shelters through January 15, 2025. To redeem the free ride, evacuees must use the promo code "WILDFIRE25" in their Uber app and "CAFIRERELIEF25" for Lyft.

How to Help

Red Cross Los Angeles: The Red Cross is helping those impacted by fires. If you would like to help you can donate money, volunteer or give blood. Volunteer shifts must be scheduled in advance! Visit the following link for more details. https://www.redcross.org/local/california/los-angeles/volunteer.html

Union Station Homeless Services: Union Station Homeless Services has had to evacuate a number of sites within the emergency evacuation zones and is urgently working to provide essential support to those affected. If you would like to help you can donate money, provide in-kind donations or volunteer. For more information, visit https://ushs.org/emergency

Habitat for Humanity is thinking forward regarding the time to rebuild. Among the many worthy causes during the current natural disaster in Southern California, This means future volunteers for when it's time, gathering building materials, and locating warehouse space now to hold the materials until they are needed.

Where to Volunteer Google Doc: A constantly updated list of opportunities for where to make a difference.