After the Wildfire: Essential Steps for Recovery, Aid, and Rebuilding
- Curry Forest
- Jan 12
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 9
This article is part of the Emergency Budget Series that offers strategies on how to manage money during economic downturns, pandemics, layoffs, and other challenges beyond your control caused by external factors.
Surviving a wildfire is overwhelming, and the path to recovery can feel uncertain. Finding safe shelter, accessing aid, and rebuilding take time, but knowing the right steps can make the process more manageable. This guide offers practical advice to help you secure support, restore your home, and move forward safely in the weeks and months ahead.
Immediate Disaster Relief & Financial Assistance
Apply for FEMA Assistance Right Away: If your area has been declared a federal disaster zone, apply for FEMA aid at disasterassistance.gov. FEMA typically has a strict deadline for disaster assistance applications, often 60 days from the date of the disaster declaration. Apply immediately to avoid missing out. FEMA understands that you may have lost important documents in the fire. You can still apply with minimal information, such as the names of residents, Social Security numbers, household income, contact details, and a description of property damage or emergency needs. However, if you have copies of identification, proof of residence, and insurance details, providing them can help speed up the processing of your application.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing, home repairs, loans to cover underinsured or uninsured damages, and other programs to help both individuals and business owners. You may qualify for FEMA rental assistance if your residence was destroyed or made uninhabitable. However, property repair funds typically go to landlords, not tenants.
File Your Insurance Claims Immediately: Contact your insurance provider immediately. Document damage with photos and videos, keep receipts for emergency expenses, and ask about additional living expense (ALE) coverage if you’re displaced. If you have renters' insurance, check if it covers temporary housing, damaged belongings, or displacement costs. If not, speak with your landlord about their insurance coverage. Ask your insurers about your coverage, the time frame for filing and processing a claim, whether the claim will exceed your deductible and if you’ll need estimates for repairs to structural damage.
Notify Mortgage Lenders, Landlords & Creditors: Reach out to your mortgage company, landlord, and other creditors as soon as possible to inform them of your situation and discuss options. At the very least, it will help you avoid penalties. Many lenders offer temporary forbearance or loan modifications after disasters, allowing you to pause or reduce payments while you recover. You may qualify for special disaster relief programs from your lender or government-backed loans (FHA, VA, USDA). Some mortgage companies require that insurance payouts for home repairs be handled through them before releasing funds. Homeowners should ask whether insurance checks will be made out to them or their mortgage servicer and what steps are needed to access the funds for repairs. Clarify the process with your lender. If your rental unit is uninhabitable or you’ve lost income due to the disaster, ask your landlord if they offer rent deferment, reductions, or lease termination options. If you must move out permanently, document the condition of your rental to ensure you receive your security deposit refund.
Contact Utility & Service Providers
Utility Companies: Ask for bill extensions or waivers if your home is uninhabitable or if you lost income. Some providers suspend late fees.
Cell phone & internet providers often offer billing relief or free service extensions during declared disasters. Call your provider and ask about waived fees or temporary suspensions.
Credit Card Companies & Lenders: Many offer temporary payment suspensions or reduced interest rates.
Student Loans: Federal student loan borrowers may qualify for deferment or forbearance after a disaster. Your school’s financial aid office may reassess your financial aid eligibility, and also offer you money through the school’s emergency financial aid fund.
Car Loans & Insurance: If your vehicle was damaged or lost, notify your lender and insurance provider immediately to discuss claim options and loan deferments.
Seek Help from Nonprofits & Local Agencies: Numerous relief organizations, local agencies, and community groups provide essential support, including emergency housing, food, financial aid, legal assistance, and emotional recovery services. Nonprofits such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way (211), and Feeding America offer immediate relief, while local churches, community centers, and food banks help distribute groceries, hot meals, clothing, and household essentials.
Beyond nonprofit organizations, businesses and individuals often step up to support wildfire survivors. Some hotels provide free or discounted stays, grocery stores and restaurants offer meal assistance, and home improvement retailers may extend discounts on rebuilding materials. Legal aid organizations can also assist with insurance claims, tenant rights, and disaster-related legal issues.
To access these resources, wildfire survivors can call 211 or visit 211.org for local assistance programs. Additionally, check state emergency management websites, nonprofit disaster relief pages, and community-driven platforms.
Financial Aid Beyond FEMA: In addition to FEMA aid, your state may offer Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), property tax relief, emergency housing funds, and other financial aid for wildfire survivors. Many states also provide additional disaster relief grants or extended unemployment benefits. Visit your state’s emergency management website or the governor’s office for details on available programs and eligibility requirements. The IRS provides tax relief for wildfire victims, including postponed deadlines for tax filings and payments. This extension may apply to individuals, businesses, and certain tax payments. Visit IRS.gov and search for “disaster relief” to check if your area qualifies.
Protect Yourself from Scams & Predatory Lenders
Avoid Predatory Loans: In the wake of a disaster, financial stress can make quick loans seem tempting, but be cautious of predatory lenders who take advantage of vulnerable victims. Some lenders target disaster survivors with high-interest loans, hidden fees, and aggressive repayment terms that can trap borrowers in long-term debt. If you need financial assistance, only borrow from reputable sources, such as government-backed programs (FEMA, SBA), local credit unions, or established banks. Be wary of anyone pressuring you to take out a loan immediately or asking for upfront fees. Always read the fine print and compare loan terms before signing anything. If you're unsure, seek guidance from a disaster relief organization, financial counselor, or legal aid service to avoid falling into a financial trap.
Watch Out for Disaster Scams: Unfortunately, disaster fraud is common. Verify contractors, aid programs, and donation requests before sharing personal information or making payments.
Rebuilding and Home Repairs
Inspect Your Home Before Returning:
Structural Inspection: Before moving back, have an expert assess your home for foundation cracks, roof damage, and compromised walls. Fire can weaken structures even if they look intact. Structural assessments are the landlord’s responsibility, but renters can request one or ask local authorities for guidance.
Check Electrical & Gas Lines: Fire can melt pipes and wires. Have a professional inspect and repair your electrical, gas, and HVAC systems before turning them back on. If you're a renter, do not turn utilities back on yourself. Contact your landlord or property management company.
Ensure Your Water is Safe: Wildfires can contaminate water supplies with ash, heavy metals, and chemicals. Heat can release harmful chemicals from plastic pipes into drinking water. If your plumbing was exposed to fire, have a professional inspect and replace damaged sections. Follow local advisories, and if in doubt, boil water for at least one minute before drinking or cooking. If your home was exposed to heat, flush plumbing systems by running cold water for at least 10 minutes per faucet to clear out potential contaminants. Charcoal water filters may help remove some contaminants, but they don’t eliminate all wildfire-related toxins.
Even after boiling, water may still contain heavy metals, so bottled or tested water is safest. If you rely on a private well, test it for bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals. Local health departments or environmental agencies can provide testing kits and guidance. Even after initial clearance, groundwater and municipal water supplies may be affected for weeks. Stay updated on local advisories and consider using filtered or bottled water when in doubt.
Secure Permits Before Rebuilding: Many cities and counties have rebuilding regulations after a wildfire. Check local zoning laws and secure necessary permits before beginning repairs. If you're a renter, ask your landlord about timelines and your right to temporary housing.
Hire Only Licensed Contractors: Work with licensed, insured contractors who specialize in post-disaster rebuilding. Consider using fire-resistant roofing, siding, and landscaping materials to reduce future wildfire risks. Look into grants or tax incentives for fire-resistant upgrades. Get multiple estimates and avoid anyone demanding full payment upfront.
Helping Each Other: Community & Family Support
Check on Vulnerable Neighbors & Family: Make sure elderly, disabled, or isolated neighbors have access to food, water, and medical supplies. Exchange phone numbers and offer transportation if needed. Organize a group chat, social media page, or local meeting to share updates, resources, and assistance opportunities.
Share Supplies and Shelter: If you have extra bottled water, food, or emergency gear, offer them to those in need. Some families may need temporary housing, coordinate with trusted friends or community centers.
Assist with Paperwork & Online Applications: Many people struggle with navigating aid applications. If you have experience with insurance claims or online forms, assist those who need help submitting their applications.
Organize Community Cleanups & Rebuilding Efforts: Many neighborhoods come together to clear debris and help rebuild homes. Contact local authorities for safe cleanup procedures and consider joining organized volunteer efforts.
Prioritize Self-Care and Mental Health: Recovery can be physically and emotionally draining. Take breaks when you can, even if it's just a few minutes of deep breathing or a walk outside. Reach out to a counselor or support groups to talk about your feelings. Focus on small, manageable steps each day to care for your mental and emotional well-being.
Key Resources:
Federal & State Assistance
FEMA: DisasterAssistance.gov FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362 (Multiple languages available)
IRS Tax Relief: IRS.gov (Search “disaster relief”)
Emergency & Community Support
211.org: Call 211 for state and nonprofit aid (food, housing, financial help, and mental health services).
Nonprofits & Local Agencies: A list of free and discounted resources for victims of Los Angeles-area fires.
Donations to LA Wildfires: Tips to make sure your CA wildfire donations get into the right hands
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