California Wildfires

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services provides up-to-date information on the response here.

Housing

FEMA, Cal OES and partner agencies are working together to review all available housing options to meet the temporary/short-term and permanent/long-term housing needs of those affected by the wildfires. 

Applicants may register for FEMA assistance and your registration will be reviewed for all housing options offered by FEMA and Small Business Administration homeowner, renter, business, and nonprofit loans. 

We understand there is no one-size-fits-all housing solution. Eligible applicants will be identified and contacted by FEMA directly to discuss available options under the direct housing program. We also want to encourage survivors to actively seek their own personal housing solution that will best suit their recovery needs.

In addition, local government officials, community-led organizations, and partner agencies are working together to help locate and secure affordable housing which may be found on local and county government websites.

Visit Us at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are open to provide residents impacted by the California wildfires with local, state and federal disaster resources. DRCs are operated by the State of California and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in partnership with other federal, state and local agencies. 

Survivors can talk with disaster recovery center personnel about their challenges recovering from wildfire damage, get started on applying for SBA low-interest disaster loans, receive helpful recovery information and discuss other issues of concern. However, it is not necessary to visit a DRC to receive FEMA assistance.

Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA before visiting a disaster recovery center if possible. Homeowners, renters and business owners in of any of the designated counties for individual assistance – Butte, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Sonoma and Yuba – can seek help at any DRC.

• The quickest way to apply for federal assistance is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA mobile app.
• Survivors may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or VRS) or 800-462-7585 (TTY). Because of high demand, lines may be busy. Please be patient, and try calling in the morning or evening when call volume may be lower.
• The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET, seven days a week.
• Multilingual operators are available. Press 2 for Spanish and press 3 for other languages

Beware of Scams and Fraudulent Phone Calls

State and federal recovery officials urge California residents to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud from scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals who may try to prey on vulnerable survivors of the October wildfires.

Anyone with knowledge of fraud, waste or abuse may call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or report it to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccompliantassistant.gov. You may also send an email to DHSOIGHotline@dhs.gov.

I tried to apply, but the system said I have already applied, what should I do?

You may go to the closest Local Assistance Center or Disaster Recovery Center for assistance or contact our Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.  Be prepared to verify your identity with a valid government ID, voter registration card, or social security card.