After a Wildfire
California wildfire recovery resources
You do not have to find your way through recovery alone. A number of public agencies and services exist to help California residents after a wildfire. This is a plain directory of who they are and what they help with, so you can reach the right place for your need.
Emergency and statewide coordination
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
Coordinates the state's disaster response and recovery and shares official guidance for affected communities. A good starting point for statewide recovery information. Official site: caloes.ca.gov.
CAL FIRE
The state's fire agency provides fire status updates, safety information, and guidance on re-entry conditions. Watch official CAL FIRE and county channels to learn when your area is open and safe.
Federal disaster assistance
FEMA
When a federal disaster is declared, the Federal Emergency Management Agency may offer assistance to individuals and households for needs not covered by insurance, including temporary housing. Register and learn more at fema.gov. See our housing and FEMA guide for context.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses to repair or replace property after a declared disaster. You do not need to own a business to apply to the homeowner and renter program.
Insurance help
California Department of Insurance
A consumer-focused state resource that helps Californians understand their insurance rights, navigate the claims process, and raise concerns. Especially useful if you have questions about how your wildfire claim is being handled. Official site: insurance.ca.gov. Our insurance claim checklist pairs well with this.
Local connection and everyday needs
211 California
A free, confidential service that connects you with local help: food, shelter, financial assistance, counseling, and more. A reliable first call when you are not sure where to turn. Learn more at 211ca.org.
Disaster Recovery Centers
After major wildfires, in-person Disaster Recovery Centers often open near affected communities. They bring multiple agencies together in one place so you can ask questions and apply for help face to face. Locations are announced through official county and Cal OES channels.
Local assistance centers and community groups
Counties and cities frequently set up Local Assistance Centers after a wildfire, gathering state, local, and nonprofit services under one roof. Community organizations, the American Red Cross, and faith and neighborhood groups also offer meals, supplies, and a helping hand. Your county emergency office and 211 California can tell you what is open near you right now.
How to use this directory
Recovery rarely follows a straight line, and that is completely normal. A good approach is to pick the one need that feels most pressing today, reach the agency that handles it, and write down what you learn. From there, the next step usually becomes clearer. If you are unsure where to start, 211 California is a friendly first call, and a Local Assistance Center lets you ask several agencies in one visit.
Keep your reference numbers, the names of people you speak with, and the dates of your calls in one place. Many of these programs coordinate with each other and with your insurance, so having your records handy makes each conversation faster. Our guides on the insurance claim process and keeping records work hand in hand with this directory.
Watch for official updates
After a wildfire, the most reliable information comes from official county, Cal OES, CAL FIRE, FEMA, and California Department of Insurance channels. Be cautious of unofficial messages asking for personal details or payment to access aid, since legitimate disaster assistance does not work that way. When something seems unclear, confirm it through the agency's official website before acting.
This page is recovery guidance, not legal advice, and it does not assess any individual situation. If you have a legal question, you can talk to a licensed attorney.