LA County Launches Recovery Web Hub for Altadena Fire Victims

Los Angeles County has established a centralized information and assistance online hub to support Altadena residents affected by the destructive and deadly Eaton Fire. The initiative consolidates critical recovery resources, emergency contacts, and guidance for accessing key resources the County offers.

The detailed website is online at: https://recovery.lacounty.gov/altadena/

Some of the information is highlighted below.

On the site, County officials explain that key safety conditions must be met before residents can return to affected areas. These include full extinguishment of fire hot spots, completion of Urban Search and Rescue operations, clearance of hazards like downed power lines, inspection of utilities, and evaluation of structures for fire damage and stability.

The County has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at Pasadena City College’s Community Education Center (3035 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena), operating daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Residents can meet with representatives to access resources and apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance, which may cover basic home repairs, personal property losses, and disaster-related needs. The fastest way to apply is through DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

Key support services include:

• Free emergency housing through 211LA’s partnerships with Airbnb and Hilton (accessed via intake form)
• Property tax relief through Form ADS-820 for qualifying residents with damages exceeding $10,000 (must file within 12 months)
• Free property and vital records from the County Registrar-Recorder’s Office (800-201-8999)
• Prescription medication assistance through multiple providers including Teladoc Health (855-225-5032)
• Animal rescue services via the Eaton Fire Animal Rescue Hotline (626-577-3752)
• Red Cross missing persons assistance (800-RED-CROSS)
• Mental health support through Department of Mental Health’s 24/7 Helpline (800-854-7771)

Consumer protections prohibit price increases exceeding 10% for 30 days after the January 7 emergency declaration. Special utility protections include billing suspensions for destroyed properties and flexible payment plans. Mail service for displaced residents has been redirected to the Pasadena Post Office (600 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91109; 800-275-8777).

To expedite rebuilding efforts, Governor Newsom has suspended California Environmental Quality Act environmental regulations, while the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has committed to streamlining reconstruction. Rebuilding resources are available at planning.lacounty.gov/disaster-recovery/.

Tenants whose rental units were destroyed are released from lease obligations and entitled to security deposit refunds. Those with partially damaged units may have options regarding their lease continuation.

The County has also established support for affected workers and small businesses. Residents can report hazards like downed trees by calling 800-675-4357. For general assistance available 24/7, including housing resources, food assistance, health needs, and other services, dial 2-1-1 or visit 211la.org/resources. Information is available in multiple languages.