Start your recovery
2025 Los Angeles Fires
Learn when you can return home and what you need to start recovering.
If you need to replace documents like IDs, do that first. See Replacing your personal documents.
Returning home
What you need to know
Local, state, and federal teams are assessing neighborhoods every day.
Learn how to return to your home safely
Filing insurance claims
If you have insurance, file a claim as soon as possible.
California protects you from losing your home insurance
State law protects residents. It prevents insurance companies from canceling or not renewing home insurance polices for one year in areas near a wildfire. This 1-year moratorium applies to all residents in the affected area, including total and no loss.
Get help with your claim
California Department of Insurance (CDI) gives help in many languages.
- Resources to help recent wildfire victims
- Top ten tips for wildfire claims
- Working with contractors
- Help with CalVet claims
- On the phone: Call 1-800-927-4357 (HELP) or TTY: 1-800-482-4833 for assistance
- In-person insurance workshops will be offered on the weekend of January 25
Rebuilding
Use a licensed contractor
by Contractors State License Board
Unlicensed contractors often prey on survivors of disasters. To protect yourself, you can find a licensed contractor near you.
You can get more help from the Contractors State License Board.
License search
by Department of Consumer Affairs
Verify a professional license. Each record gives a license status, such as:
- Current
- Expired
- Suspended
- Revoked
Get a building permit
by Los Angeles County Electronic Permitting and Inspections
Before you start rebuilding, you’ll need a permit. Get a permit online or at your local building and safety office.
See steps to rebuilding (PDF)
Get an overview of what it will take to rebuild your home. Note important deadlines coming in March.
Employment
If you can’t work
You may not be able to work for many reasons. Here’s how to receive wage replacement during this time.
- If you lost your job due to the fire, apply for unemployment
- If you are sick or hurt due to the fires, apply for disability
- If you need time off to care for your family and can’t work, apply for Paid Family Leave
If you’re looking for new work
We have resources to assist you in finding employment after the wildfire. You may qualify for job placement services, training programs, or other help. The Employment Development Department (EDD) offers this support.
- Apply for a new job on CalJOBS, California’s online job exchange system.
- Jobs and training has general support, referrals, and training to find a new job in California.
If you’re working on fire cleanup
If you have a job where you’re cleaning up from the fires, your employer must protect you. Read about how to keep yourself safe while working on fire cleanup.
Taxes for individuals
Income tax
by Franchise Tax Board
People in Los Angeles County affected by the fires may postpone filing and paying taxes. Their new deadline is October 15, 2025.
Property tax
by the State of California and LA County
The state extended the property tax deadline for people affected by the LA fires. You can apply for property tax reassessment with the Los Angeles County Assessor. Learn more about property tax reassessments and base year value transfers.