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.

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.