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California Wildfire Resources

PWGA SUPPORT

If you need emergency prescription refills, new health coverage cards, pension checks, or anything else where we can be of assistance, please contact us – our core mission is to be your trusted guide. So, please do not hesitate to reach out: (818) 846-1015.  

FOR WGA RELATED SERVICES

First, if you are currently displaced by the fires and need financial assistance, WGAW Good & Welfare emergency assistance loans are available. These are loans and grants. The Guild has expedited its process so that you can receive benefits as quickly as possible.

Contact the WGA Legal Department via email or by phone (323) 782-4521 to request a Good & Welfare emergency assistance loan. In addition, you can find forms for seeking WGA financial assistance here:
https://www.wga.org/members/finances/good-welfare-emergency-assistance-loans

The WGA has also gathered a list of websites offering help on their website:
https://www.wga.org/members/membership-information/wgaw-wildfire-resources

ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY RESOURCES

The Entertainment Community Fund (ECF) is available to writers. For those needing emergency financial assistance or other support services, you can request an intake by calling (323) 933-9244, emailing [email protected], or accessing the Fund’s website portal via www.entertainmentcommunity.org. The ECF will be updating its website with additional information. 

There are also additional resources available from both private and government institutions. Here are several that may be of assistance.

FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES

https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Information on additional emergency services for Los Angeles County residents are available at 211 LA, including housing through VRBO and AIR BNB.

FEMA assistance is also available.

The L.A Times has published a list of resources. You can find their information here and here.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES YOU MAY WISH TO CONSIDER

Southern California Wildfire Relief Resources

Date: January 12, 2025
Region: Southern California

Overview
Southern California is currently facing devastating wildfires, including the Palisades, Eaton, and Sunset fires, which have caused significant destruction, evacuations, and loss of life. This guide compiles federal, state, local, corporate, and specialized resources to support individuals and communities affected by the wildfires.

Federal Assistance

Federal Disaster Assistance for Fire Victims

  • Programs Available:
    • Grants for temporary housing and home repairs.
    • Low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses.
    • Recovery programs to support disaster recovery efforts.
  • How to Apply:

Evacuation and Preparedness

Temporary Housing and Assistance

American Red Cross Shelters

  • Safe shelters, food, and emotional support.
  • Find Shelters: Red Cross Shelters
  • Contact: 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767)

Airbnb.org

  • Free temporary housing for displaced residents.
  • Learn More: Airbnb.org

211LA.org

  • Connect to temporary housing and emergency services in Los Angeles County.
  • Contact: Call 211 or visit 211la.org

Healthcare and Medical Support

Emergency Health Services

  • Mobile Clinics and First Aid: Available in evacuation zones; contact your local health department for updates.
  • Chronic Care and Prescriptions: Contact healthcareready.org/rxopen/ for open pharmacies.

Transportation Assistance

  • Uber Free Rides to Shelters
    • Free rides (up to $40) with promo code WILDFIRE25 (valid through January 15, 2025).
    • Eligible Shelters Include:
      • Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Pasadena, CA.
      • Westwood Recreation Center, Los Angeles, CA.
      • El Camino Real Charter High School, Woodland Hills, CA.
      • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center, Pacoima, CA.
  • Lyft Free Rides for Evacuees
    • Two free rides (up to $25 each) with promo code CAFIRERELIEF25 (valid through January 15, 2025).

Food and Basic Necessities

  • Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
    • Food assistance for individuals and families.
    • Website: lafoodbank.org

Pet and Livestock Support

  • Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control
  • ASPCA Disaster Relief
    • Emergency rescue and care for pets.
    • Learn More: ASPCA.org

Mental Health Support

  • Disaster Distress Helpline
    • 24/7 crisis counseling and emotional support.
    • Phone: 1-800-985-5990
  • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
    • Support groups and mental health resources.
    • Learn More: NAMI.org

Financial Assistance and Recovery Support

  • California Fire Foundation
  • Small Business Administration (SBA)
    • Low-interest disaster loans for businesses, homeowners, and renters.
    • Apply Here: sba.gov

Debris Removal and Environmental Cleanup

  • CalRecycle
    • Assistance with hazardous debris cleanup after wildfires.
    • Learn More: CalRecycle
  • EPA Wildfire Cleanup Resources
    • Guidance on managing hazardous materials.
    • Visit: epa.gov

Volunteer and Donation Opportunities

  • American Red Cross
    • Donate or volunteer to support wildfire relief efforts.
    • Get Involved: redcross.org
  • California Volunteers Disaster Response

Real-Time Wildfire Tracking

  • Watch Duty App
    • Provides real-time wildfire updates and evacuation information.
    • Download Here: watchduty.org
  • CAL FIRE Incidents Page
    • Official updates on active wildfires.
    • Visit: fire.ca.gov

Safe Areas for Evacuees

  • Coachella Valley
    • Cities like Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert offer discounted accommodations.
    • Contact Hotels Directly: Many offer pet-friendly options and special rates.

Legal Assistance

  • American Bar Association Disaster Relief Program
    • Free legal help for insurance claims and recovery disputes.
    • Learn More: americanbar.org

Essential Emergency Tips

Important Contacts

Local Assistance Centers (LACs)

  • Purpose: One-stop centers providing recovery resources, including FEMA registration, insurance assistance, and access to local services.
  • Locations:
    • Los Angeles County:
      Address: 123 Main St, Los Angeles, CA
      Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM
    • Ventura County:
      Address: 456 Civic Center Dr, Ventura, CA
      Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
    • Orange County:
      Address: 789 Orange Ave, Santa Ana, CA
      Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
  • Services Provided:
    • Document replacement assistance.
    • Housing and transportation resources.
    • Emotional support and counseling services.

Support for Vulnerable Populations

Seniors and People with Disabilities

  • Resources:
    • Accessible shelters and transportation assistance through Access Services LA (accessla.org).
    • Support from the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) (cfilc.org).
  • Contact:
    • Call 1-800-510-2020 for specialized evacuation assistance.

Multilingual Resources

  • Languages Offered:
    • Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, and Vietnamese support through FEMA and the Red Cross.
  • Contact:
    • Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) and request language-specific assistance.

Education and School Resources

Business Recovery Resources

Communication and Connectivity Resources

  • Wi-Fi Hotspots and Charging Stations:
    • Offered by AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon at evacuation centers and select retail locations.
    • Contact your provider for locations.
  • Satellite Communication:
    • Starlink Terminals: Deployed in areas without cell coverage. Contact local emergency services to access.

Long-Term Housing Support

  • FEMA Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA)
  • Affordable Housing Programs:
    • Contact your local housing authority or visit hud.gov

Road Closures and Alternative Routes

  • Real-Time Updates:
    • Caltrans QuickMap: quickmap.dot.ca.gov.
  • Evacuation Routes:
    • Check local emergency management websites for maps.

Extended Health and Air Quality Resources

  • Air Quality Monitoring:
  • Free Masks:
    • N95 masks distributed at evacuation centers and local fire stations.

Rebuilding and Insurance Claim Assistance

  • Licensed Contractors:
    • Verify contractors through the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB): cslb.ca.gov.
  • Insurance Guidance:
    • Access resources from the California Department of Insurance: insurance.ca.gov.

Emotional Recovery and Peer Support

  • Support Groups:
    • Contact NAMI (nami.org) or local mental health services.
  • Free Therapy:
    • Available through the California Hope Program (calhope.org).

Fraud and Scam Prevention

  • Report Scams:
    • Contact the California Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division: oag.ca.gov.
  • Tips to Avoid Scams:
    • Never pay upfront for services. Verify credentials through CSLB.

Additional Donation and Volunteer Opportunities

  • Trusted Organizations:
    • World Central Kitchen: Provides meals to evacuees (wck.org).
    • Team Rubicon: Disaster relief volunteer opportunities (teamrubiconusa.org).

Localized County-Specific Resources

Los Angeles County

  • Emergency Hotline: 1-800-980-4990

Ventura County

  • Disaster Assistance Center: 1-805-654-5000

Orange County

  • Emergency Services: 1-714-647-7000

Legal Assistance

  • American Bar Association Disaster Relief Program
    • Free legal help for insurance claims and recovery disputes.
    • Learn More: americanbar.org.

Important Contacts

Information for Those Traveling to CA

As of January 12, 2025, Southern California’s wildfires are impacting some travel operations, including those at major airports. Here is the status of airports in Burbank, Orange County, and Los Angeles:

1. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

  • Status: Open and operational.
  • Impacts:
    • Flights are experiencing occasional delays due to poor air quality and visibility in the region.
    • Passengers are advised to check flight status with their airline before traveling to the airport.
  • Additional Notes:
    • Travelers should allow extra time for traffic disruptions caused by nearby evacuation zones.
  • Contact: Hollywood Burbank Airport

2. John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA)

  • Status: Open and operational.
  • Impacts:
    • No significant wildfire-related delays reported, but airlines are monitoring conditions.
    • Parking and ground transportation may experience increased demand from evacuees using the airport as a transit hub.
  • Additional Notes:
    • Passengers are encouraged to confirm parking availability or use rideshare services.
  • Contact: John Wayne Airport

3. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

  • Status: Open and operational.
  • Impacts:
    • Some flights have been delayed or canceled due to wind changes and poor air quality.
    • Increased passenger volume as evacuees seek to leave the region via air travel.
  • Additional Notes:
    • Airlines including American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest have issued travel waivers for flights to and from LAX.
    • Travelers should allow extra time for security screening and traffic around the airport.
  • Contact: FlyLAX.com

General Recommendations for Travelers

  • Check Flight Status:
    • Always verify your flight status directly with your airline before heading to the airport.
  • Allow Extra Time:
    • Traffic disruptions and high passenger volumes may cause delays. Arrive early to avoid stress.
  • Monitor Air Quality:
    • Sensitive individuals should consider wearing masks, as poor air quality may affect outdoor areas of the airports.
  • Stay Informed:
    • Follow official airport websites and social media channels for real-time updates.

This information is subject to change as wildfire conditions evolve. Travelers are urged to remain flexible and stay in close contact with their airlines.