California Wildfires
Incident Period: Sep 4, 2020 - Nov 17, 2020
Declaration Date: Oct 16, 2020
Quick Links
- Recovery resources: State & Local | National
- Connect: Social Media | Mobile App & Text
- 24/7 counseling: Disaster Distress Helpline
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On This Page
More About This Disaster
Now Closed: Period to Apply for Disaster Assistance
The last day for individuals and families to apply for assistance after this disaster has passed. You are no longer able to begin a new claim.
To check the status on a previously submitted claim, visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
I Applied for Assistance. What's Next?
You will receive notification letters from FEMA either by U.S. mail or by electronic correspondence explaining your next steps. If you reported during the application process that you received damage and are not able to live in your primary residence, an inspector will contact you by phone to schedule an inspection. FEMA home inspections are conducted in-person; however, if you are apprehensive due to ongoing COVID-19 uncertainties, you can request we conduct the inspection without entering your home.
"Help After a Disaster"
Translated into 27 languages, the "Help After a Disaster" brochure is a tool that can be shared in your community to help people understand the types of FEMA assistance that may be available to support individuals and families in disaster recovery.
Volunteer and Donate
Recovery can take many years after a disaster. There are many ways to help such as donating cash, needed items, or your time. Learn more about how to help those in need.
Doing Business with FEMA
If you are interested in providing paid services and goods for disaster relief, visit our Doing Business with FEMA page to get started.
Local Resources
Local Offices
Local News & Media
Visit the News & Media page for events, fact sheets, press releases and other multimedia resources.
Popular Resources
Visit the California state page for more localized information
- I Applied for Assistance. What’s Next?
- Citizenship and Immigration Status Requirements for Federal Public Benefits
"Help After a Disaster" Brochures
Translated into 27 languages, the "Help After a Disaster" brochure is a tool that can be shared in your community to help people understand the types of FEMA Individual Assistance support that may be available in disaster recovery.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has established a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to help homeowners and renters. Customer service representatives are available to assist business owners and individuals to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan application.
Virtual Business Recovery Center and Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center | Mondays – Sundays | 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | FOCWAssistance@sba.gov | (800) 659-2955
How To Help
Voluntary
Recovery will take many years after a disaster. Cash is the best way to help those in need.
Funding Obligations
| Individual Assistance | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Housing Assistance (HA) - Dollars Approved | $4,390,958.02 |
| Total Other Needs Assistance (ONA) - Dollars Approved | $1,220,143.59 |
| Total Individual & Households Program Dollars Approved | $5,611,101.61 |
| Individual Assistance Applications Approved | 362 |
| Public Assistance | Amount |
|---|---|
| Emergency Work (Categories A-B) - Dollars Obligated | $178,251,946.54 |
| Permanent Work (Categories C-G) - Dollars Obligated | $5,207,523.80 |
| Total Public Assistance Grants Dollars Obligated | $195,454,677.24 |
| Hazard Mitigation Assistance | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) - Dollars Obligated | $5,708,100.44 |