LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a series of emergency measures this week to address the aftermath of devastating wildfires, including providing protections for displaced residents, mitigating risks of debris flows ahead of anticipated rainfall, and bolstering support for firefighters. The measures aim to provide immediate relief while laying groundwork for longer-term recovery efforts.
“As we face one of the most devastating natural disasters in Los Angeles County’s history, we must act with urgency to protect and support those displaced,” said Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, co-author of several motions with Board Chair Kathryn Barger. Both have been at the forefront of the county’s wildfire response, overseeing relief efforts for the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have destroyed thousands of homes and displaced tens of thousands of residents.
Among the actions taken, the Board approved temporary eviction protections for renters who are sheltering individuals or pets displaced by the fires. Restrictions on short-term rentals have been relaxed, including removing the 90-night cap on unhosted stays and allowing the use of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to expand emergency housing availability.
The county is also bracing for the potential impacts of upcoming rainstorms, which pose significant risks to fire-damaged areas. A separate emergency motion focuses on installing flood control infrastructure and removing sediment from fire-impacted zones to mitigate threats to public safety. Officials warned that burn scars left by the fires are particularly susceptible to debris flows, which could endanger lives and property.
“The wildfires have had an immense impact on our county, but it’s difficult to truly capture the scale and scope of support that’s needed for residents to recover,” said Barger. “We must use every tool at our disposal to help our communities rebuild.”
In addition to local measures, the Board is pursuing increased support from state and federal agencies. Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed at least $2.5 billion in state emergency funding to address wildfire damage, while former President Joe Biden pledged 100% federal reimbursement for emergency measures, including debris removal, over the next six months.
Newly inaugurated President Donald Trump has made controversial statements regarding federal disaster aid, suggesting potential conditions for approval. Trump is scheduled to visit Los Angeles on Friday to survey fire-affected areas.
To streamline recovery efforts, nine specialized working groups have been established to coordinate with state and federal partners on immediate hazards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has already begun initial debris removal, focusing on hazardous waste cleanup from properties in wildfire zones.
In response to widespread public interest in supporting recovery efforts, the Board approved a measure allowing residents to make direct contributions to the Los Angeles County Fire Department via the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation. Donations will help fund emergency response operations, risk reduction initiatives, and public education programs.
“Since these unprecedented wildfires began, there has been an outpouring of support for our first responders,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn, who co-authored the donation motion with Barger.
Donations can be made at laepf.org/lacofd.
To further assist residents, the county has set up Disaster Recovery Centers at UCLA Research Park West and Pasadena City College. These centers are providing resources for those needing assistance with FEMA applications, document replacement, and other recovery efforts.
Residents affected by price gouging are urged to report incidents to the California Attorney General’s Office or the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs.
Officials also emphasized the importance of proper protective measures for those entering burn areas. N95 masks are being distributed at reentry points and county libraries, while mental health services remain available through the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
Updates on the county’s emergency response and recovery resources can be found at lacounty.gov/emergency and recovery.lacounty.gov.
