After a Wildfire
Temporary housing and FEMA assistance after a wildfire
Finding a safe place to stay is one of the first big concerns after a wildfire. Several paths can help, and they often work together. This page explains the main options in plain terms so you can see what might fit your situation, whether you own your home or rent.
Insurance: loss of use and living expenses
If you have homeowners or renters insurance, your policy may include "loss of use" or "additional living expenses" coverage. This can help pay for temporary lodging and certain added costs while you cannot live in your home. Start by asking your insurer how to access this coverage and how to request an advance for urgent needs. Keep every receipt. Our insurance claim checklist walks through how to ask for these benefits.
FEMA assistance
When the federal government declares a disaster for your area, FEMA assistance may be available to individuals and households. It can help with needs that insurance does not cover, such as temporary housing and certain essential expenses. FEMA assistance is designed to supplement insurance, not replace it, and registering is the way to learn what you may be eligible for.
How registration generally works
- Confirm a federal disaster has been declared for your area
- Register through the official FEMA channels at fema.gov
- Have your insurance information ready, since FEMA coordinates with insurance
- Keep your registration number and any letters you receive
Hotel and rental programs
After major wildfires, short-term lodging help is sometimes offered through programs that place displaced households in hotels, and later through rental assistance toward an apartment or rental home. Availability depends on the disaster declaration and local conditions. Disaster Recovery Centers and California's 211 service can point you to current housing help in your area. Our California recovery resources page lists where to ask.
SBA disaster loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration 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, and submitting an application does not require you to accept a loan. Many people apply to keep options open even while their insurance claim is in progress. You can learn more through the official SBA disaster assistance program.
Renters and owners: a few basics
If you rent
Renters insurance, where you have it, may cover your belongings and loss of use. FEMA assistance and 211 can help with housing needs. Stay in touch with your landlord about the status of the property and your lease, and keep written records of those conversations.
If you own
Homeowners coverage may address the dwelling, contents, and loss of use. Contact your mortgage lender about hardship or forbearance options, which many lenders offer after a declared disaster. Keep your loan documents and any relief agreements together.
Putting the pieces together
These options are meant to work alongside each other rather than as either-or choices. Many households use their insurance loss-of-use coverage for immediate lodging, register with FEMA to see what other needs may be met, and apply to the SBA to keep a low-interest loan available if they need it later. Looking into one path does not close off the others.
A simple way to stay oriented is to keep a single list of every program you have contacted, the date you reached out, your reference or registration number, and what they told you to do next. When programs ask about your insurance, or your insurer asks about assistance you have received, that list lets you answer quickly and accurately. Our documentation and evidence guide offers easy ways to keep these records organized.
This page is recovery guidance, not legal advice, and it does not assess any individual situation. If you have a legal question about housing or your claim, you can talk to a licensed attorney.