There are several resources and opportunities available for those interested in supporting the families impacted, as well as the first responders and other city staff who are on the front line managing the response:

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation Wildfire Emergency Funding is seeking funds to equip LAFD members battling wildfires with equipment and supplies such as emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks and wildland brush tools.

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is working with government agencies, nonprofit and faith-based partners and others to respond to the fires throughout Los Angeles County. They are accepting food donations between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at its two distribution centers: 1734 East 41st Street, Los Angeles, 90058, and 2300 Pellissier Place, Industry, 90601.

The Pasadena Community Foundation has opened the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, providing an opportunity to support immediate and pressing needs even as the fire continues to spread.

Wildfire Recovery Fund – California Community Foundation supports communities with both intermediate recovery and long-term resilience to rebuild and restore the lives of California’s most affected and underserved populations.

Los Angeles area YMCA’s Centers for Community Well-Being are serving as a community resource and emergency relief site. Several locations are accepting essential items donations for victims.

World Central Kitchen is working with restaurant and food truck partners to provide meals to feed first responders.

Westside Food Bank provides meals to those in need and is helping with bulk donations of goods during the fires.

Financial donations enable the American Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

The Salvation Army is providing critical aid, like shelter, food, and support, across southern California through their Emergency Disaster Fund.

Property Tax Relief for Fire Victims

I want to extend my deepest condolences to you and your constituents who have been affected by the devastating fires across Los Angeles County. The destruction has been overwhelming, and my thoughts are with everyone who has lost their homes, businesses, or loved ones during this incredibly challenging time.

As recovery efforts begin, I want to stress the importance of collaboration among all levels of government to ensure that impacted residents receive the resources and assistance they need. The Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office is fully prepared to support your communities by deploying services and providing property tax relief through the Misfortune and Calamity Relief Program.

This program offers relief to property owners whose properties have been damaged or destroyed by the fires. Key details include:

Eligibility: Property damage must exceed $10,000 in market value.

Process: Property owners must file a Misfortune and Calamity claim with the Assessor’s Office within 12 months of the damage.

Relief Provided: Approved claims allow for a reassessment of the property’s value, which will remain reduced until the property is repaired, rebuilt, or undergoes a change in ownership. Additionally, the claim facilitates coordination with the Treasurer and Tax Collector to defer property tax payments for those who pay directly and not through an impound account.

To assist property owners, please share the following resources with your constituents:

Disaster Relief Information: assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief

FAQs on Wildfires and Other Emergencies: FAQs – Fire and Other Emergencies

Property Relief Flyer: Property Relief for Properties Impacted by Disaster

Property owners may contact the Assessor’s Misfortune & Calamity Unit at (213) 974-8658 or via email at relief@assessor.lacounty.gov for all inquiries related to Relief for Properties Impacted By A Disaster.

We are also working with County partners to establish in-person assistance centers in the hardest-hit areas, where property owners can access information and resources directly. Details will be announced soon.

Thank you for your leadership and partnership as we work together to help our communities recover and rebuild. If you or your office need any additional information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

JEFF PRANG

Commissioner Lara reminds residents in Los Angeles County who have been ordered to evacuate due to the wildfires that their homeowners’ or renters’ insurance may help with evacuation and relocation costs under Additional Living Expenses coverage, known as ALE. ALE coverage typically includes food and housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage, and extra transportation expenses, among other costs.

 

If you have any questions or need assistance, the California Department of Insurance is here to help. Please call: 1-800-927-4357 or visit www.insurance.ca.gov.

 

Many homeowners are unaware that they may have coverage under their homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies to help them with evacuation and recovery expenses.

 

In 2020, Commissioner Lara sponsored a new law — SB 872 authored by Senator Bill Dodd — that requires insurance companies pay at least two weeks of ALE benefits to evacuees and provide an advance payment for no less than four months of ALE without an itemized inventory form, among other consumer protections. This important consumer protection law removes barriers for disaster survivors to get critical insurance benefits and streamlines wildfire recovery processes for homeowners who suffer from a loss.

 

Here are some additional tips for consumers:

• Keep all receipts during your evacuation.
• Policy provisions, including deductibles, vary by company, and residents should check with their insurance company or agent as soon as possible to confirm coverage, limits, and any other limitations and documentation requirements. Most renter’s policies also typically include ALE coverage.
• Document the date, time, and names of any insurance company employees you speak to regarding your coverage.
• Consumers should make sure any insurance agent or public adjuster offering their services has a valid license by checking online with the Department of Insurance.
• Download the Department’s Top 10 Tips for Wildfire Claimants(also available in Spanish, Mandarin, and Vietnamese), which includes information about claiming ALE benefits.
• Under existing law, public adjusters cannot solicit business for seven calendar days after a disaster.

Don’t forget copies of insurance policies, important papers, and a photo or video inventory of your possessions. An inventory can be completed quickly and easily on your smart phone and safely stored in the Cloud.

South Coast AQMD Issues Smoke Advisory for Northwest Los Angeles County
Due to the Palisades Fire

Valid Tuesday 2:00 PM until Wednesday 5:00 PM

Current Conditions

• The Palisades Fire is burning in Pacific Palisades. As of 12 PM Tuesday, the fire has
burned 200 acres and is 0% contained. For more information about the Palisades
Fire, visit CALFIRE.

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• Based on satellite and webcam imagery, the Fire is actively producing smoke on
Tuesday afternoon, with northeasterly winds pushing smoke to the southwest
towards Malibu.

Conditions may change quickly due to fire activity and weather. Download the South Coast
AQMD app or visit www.aqmd.gov/AQImap to view current air quality in your neighborhood

Forecasted Smoke and Air Quality Impacts

• Smoke from the Palisades Fire is expected to most heavily impact northwest coastal
Los Angeles County including Malibu, Pacific Palisades and areas near the fire on
Tuesday through Wednesday evening. PM2.5 levels due to smoke may reach
the Unhealthy AQI category or higher in these areas, with the highest AQI levels
expected immediately adjacent to the fire.
• Smoke impacts will depend on fire activity and containment efforts.

If you are in an area impacted by smoke:

• Limit your exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed or
seeking alternate shelter.
• Avoid vigorous physical activity.
• Run your air conditioning and/or an air purifier. If possible, do not use swamp
coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air.