The Emergency Management Agency released a support guide for those affected on Thursday forest fires Los Angeles the field
FEMA said disaster assistance can “jump-start” the recovery process.
A house is engulfed in flames during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles County, California, on January 8, 2025.
Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images
“FEMA disaster assistance is intended to meet the basic needs of your household for uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and emergency needs to begin your recovery. If you have insurance and are applying for FEMA disaster assistance, you must first file a claim with your insurance company,” the agency says. in the note “By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If insurance does not cover all of your damages, you may be eligible for federal assistance.”
FEMA assistance can come in many forms, such as money for essential items such as food, water, infant formula, nursing supplies, medications, and other emergency supplies. Those affected by the fires can also apply for additional relief funds that can cover hotel stays if a home is damaged and residents cannot return, according to the agency.
The White House said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is in Los Angeles and, according to a FEMA official, has been in regular contact with state and local leaders and is assessing the damage.
The President Joe Biden He will meet with White House and senior administration officials Thursday at 4:30 p.m. about the fires and the federal response. On Wednesday, the president issued a “major disaster declaration” to aid the recovery.
“Yesterday, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for California to provide immediate funding and resources to affected communities and survivors in the coming days to begin recovery from the disaster,” the White House said early Thursday. “The administration is in regular contact with state and local officials, including Governor Newsom, Mayor Bass, their teams, and other state and local officials throughout the affected areas.”
People return home after the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California on January 9, 2025.
Ringo Chiu/Reuters
To learn more about the types of support available, the agency says the public can visit their website.
