After a Wildfire
The first 24 hours after a wildfire
The hours right after a wildfire can feel overwhelming. You do not have to do everything at once. This page walks through a short, calm list of first steps, in roughly the order most people find useful. Take them at your own pace, and lean on family, neighbors, and local responders as you go.
Stay safe and account for everyone
Your safety comes first. If you have evacuated, stay where it is safe and follow instructions from local officials, CAL FIRE, and your county emergency office. Confirm that everyone in your household and your pets are accounted for. If anyone is hurt or missing, contact emergency services right away.
Keep your phone charged when you can, and save power for essential calls. If you are in a shelter or with friends, let close family know where you are so people are not searching for you.
Wait for permission before returning home
It is natural to want to see your property quickly. Even so, return only after authorities say the area is safe and open. Active fire zones can hold hidden dangers: hot spots, unstable structures, downed power lines, gas leaks, and ash that may contain harmful materials.
Find a safe place to stay
If you cannot go home, you have options. Red Cross and local shelters offer immediate lodging. If you have homeowners or renters insurance, your policy may include loss-of-use or "additional living expenses" coverage that can help with temporary lodging and certain costs. Keep receipts for anything you spend, even small amounts, so they are easy to share later.
Our temporary housing and FEMA guide explains these housing options in more detail.
Contact your insurer to open a claim
When you are settled somewhere safe, call your insurance company or agent to report the loss and open a claim. You do not need every detail figured out first. Opening the claim simply starts the process and connects you with an adjuster. Write down the date you called, who you spoke with, and your claim number.
Ask whether your policy includes additional living expenses and how to request an advance for immediate needs. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our insurance claim checklist.
Protect your identity and key documents
If you were able to grab documents, keep them together in one place. If important records were lost, do not worry: most can be replaced. Make a short list of what you will need to request again, such as identification, your insurance policy, birth and marriage certificates, and titles or deeds. We cover replacing vital records in the first 30 days guide.
Start a simple notebook or phone note to log calls and reference numbers. A running record makes every later step easier.
Begin gentle documentation when it is safe
Once you are permitted to return and it is safe, take photos and short videos of any damage before you move or clean up items. Dated images and a simple list of what was affected help your insurance claim and any later steps. There is no rush to be perfect: capture what you can. Our documentation and evidence guide shows easy methods.
Register for available help
Several public programs may be able to assist. If a federal disaster has been declared for your area, you may be able to register with FEMA for assistance. California's 211 service can connect you with local resources, and Disaster Recovery Centers often open near affected communities. Our California recovery resources page lists where to turn and what each program helps with.