LA Fire Impact Guide: Emergency Shelters, Assistance & Wildfire Relief Resources

LA Fire Impact Guide: Shelters, Safety Resources, Emergency Assistance, Insurance, and Legal Support

Photo:. AFP

Wildfires continue to threaten communities across Los Angeles County, forcing evacuations and displacing thousands of residents. To assist those affected, this guide provides information on emergency shelters, evacuation centers, housing support, food and essential services, legal aid, and insurance resources.

Emergency Shelters and Evacuation Centers

Open Public Shelters

According to the California Office of Emergency Services, the following shelters are available for displaced residents:

• Pasadena Civic Auditorium – 300 East Green Street, Pasadena

• Westwood Recreation Center – 1350 S. Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles

• El Camino Real Charter High School – 5440 Valley Circle Boulevard, Woodland Hills

• Ritchie Valens Recreation Center – 10735 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Pacoima

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises residents to text “SHELTER” and their ZIP code to 43362 for the nearest open shelters. Local emergency services and officials can also provide updated shelter and evacuation information.

Evacuation Centers

These locations are available for individuals needing a safe place to stay:

• Westwood Recreation Center – 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Westwood (Accepts small animals)

• Pasadena Convention Center – 300 E. Green St., Pasadena

• El Camino Real Charter High School – 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills

• Pierce College – 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills (Accepts large animals)

Housing and Shelter Assistance

• 211 LA & Airbnb Partnership: Offering free temporary housing for individuals displaced by wildfires. To apply, fill out this form.

Resources for Animals and Pets

• Los Angeles Equestrian Center – 480 Riverside Dr., Burbank (Accepts large animals)

• Agoura Animal Shelter – 29525 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills (Accepts small animals)

• Pasadena Humane Society – 361 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena (Providing emergency pet shelter; looking for foster homes for displaced animals. Contact foster@pasadenahumane.org)

• spcaLA – 5026 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles (Taking in animals affected by fires)

• Dogtopia of East Pasadena – Offering three free overnight stays for dogs of displaced families and a 50% discount thereafter. Call (626) 699-8577.

Food, Supplies, and Essential Services

• Planet Fitness – Providing free access to showers, locker rooms, and WiFi for evacuees and first responders. Contact your nearest location for details.

• AT&T – Offering unlimited talk, text, and data for affected areas through February 6. Visit their website for eligible ZIP codes.

• Boomtown Brewery (Arts District) – Opening its taproom during the day for displaced individuals needing a place to stay or access WiFi. DM them on Instagram for details.

• Odyssey Games (Pasadena) – Providing charging stations, restrooms, and snacks for evacuees at 1795 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

• Calico Fish House (Sunset Beach, Orange County) – Offering free meals for evacuees and allowing overnight parking at 16600 Pacific Coast Highway.

• Lyft – Providing vouchers for evacuees needing transportation to and from shelters. Use code CAFIRERELIEF25 for up to two rides (max $25 per ride). Offer valid for 500 riders until January 15.

FEMA Assistance and Disaster Relief

FEMA is providing federal funding to cover 75% of eligible firefighting costs in California.

For up-to-date information on firefighting efforts, visit:

• FEMA Fire Management Assistance

• CAL FIRE Updates

Residents can access local assistance at:

• LA County Emergency Services

• Ready LA County

• Ready.gov Wildfire Safety

Insurance and Legal Assistance

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara advises wildfire victims not to sign anything immediately and to contact the Department of Insurance for guidance:

• Phone: 1-800-927-4357

• Website: insurance.ca.gov

Home Insurance Protection

• California law prohibits insurance companies from dropping coverage for homes in wildfire-affected areas for at least one year after a fire.

• Check if your ZIP code is included in the non-renewal moratorium here.

Legal Assistance for Wildfire Survivors

• Statewide Disaster Legal Services – Free legal help for wildfire victims, including issues related to insurance claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and FEMA applications. Visit disasterlegalservicesca.org.

• Legal Assistance Hotline – Call 888-382-3406. No income limits; messages accepted 24/7.

• California Bar Association’s Legal Help After a Disaster – More details here.

How to Help Wildfire Victims

Red Cross

The American Red Cross has deployed hundreds of volunteers to assist displaced residents with food, medical care, and shelter.

• Donate Here: Red Cross Wildfire Relief

Salvation Army

Providing food, water, and emergency supplies, along with long-term recovery assistance.

• Learn More & Donate: Salvation Army California Wildfires

World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen is distributing fresh meals to evacuees and first responders across Southern California.

• Learn More & Donate: WCK Wildfire Response

Airbnb.org

Airbnb is working with 211 LA to provide free temporary housing for wildfire survivors in Los Angeles County.

• Find Temporary Housing: Airbnb.org Wildfire Relief

Stay Informed and Stay Safe

As wildfires continue to threaten communities, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official sources, follow evacuation orders, and seek available resources. If you or someone you know needs assistance, reach out to the organizations listed above.

For immediate emergency updates, visit:

• CAL FIRE

• Ready LA County

• FEMA Wildfire Assistance

By working together, we can support those impacted and help rebuild stronger, safer communities. Stay safe, and reach out for help if you need it.