Victims of the Southern California Wildfires 2025

Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the victims of the Southern California Wildfires 2025. As REALTORS, we are champions for homeownership and walk through the doors of our client’s homes. It is heart breaking seeing the loss of homes, businesses, and property throughout Southern California. We continue to hear stories from our friends, family, and clients and it is surreal. We know that if you lost your home you have many needs: shelter, food, replacement of belongings, financial, emotional, and informational needs.

 

The losses are insurmountable and we know that the recovery of our communities will not happen overnight.

 

Our office is currently collecting donations for Shepherd’s Pantry. The list of needed donations and supplies are below:

  • Non-perishable items
  • Pasta
  • Canned Foods
  • Rice
  • Juice
  • Oatmeal
  • Beans
  • Tuna
  • Cereal
  • Crackers
  • Snacks
  • Canned Fruits & Vegetables
  • Bottled water
  • Blankets
  • Jackets
  • Socks
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Dog food
  • Cat food

 

Please call our office (626)609-2130 or email Info@KALEORealEstate.com for more information for how to get involved.

 

IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH

We have heard it again and again: “Document, Document, Document.”  If you lost your home in one of the Eaton Canyon or Pacific Palisade fires, it is so important to document everything that you are doing after the loss: where you are staying, losses, points of contact with insurance companies, your lender, and costs you are incurring. Talk to the Real Estate Agent who sold you your house or another trusted real estate professional. Do not make any quick decisions or sign anything without reviewing the contract in its entirety. 

Here are some tips from the California Department of Insurance if you are facing Evacuation: 

 

If you are evacuating:

  • Follow all evacuation orders from local authorities.
  • If time allows, locate your insurance policy documents and upload them to the cloud using your mobile device.
  • If time allows, make a photo or video inventory of your possessions. An inventory can be completed quickly and easily on your smart phone and safely stored in the Cloud. Download a free home inventory guide from the department Web site.

After you evacuate:

  • Homeowner and renter policies can help with evacuation and recovery expenses under additional living expense coverage, known as ALE. ALE coverage typically includes extra food and housing costs, furniture rental, relocation and storage, and transportation expenses. The department urges evacuees to contact their insurer to verify their ALE coverage provision and limits and learn about the requirements and impact of using the coverage. If financial losses due to a mandatory evacuation are significant, filing an ALE claim may be a good option for some policyholders. If so, it is critical to keep all receipts and document the date, time and names of any insurance company employees you speak to regarding your coverage and details of the conversation.
  • Policy provisions, including deductibles, vary by company, residents should check with their insurer or agent as soon as possible to confirm coverage, limits, and any other limitations and documentation requirements.
  • Consumers should make sure any insurance agent or public adjuster offering their services has a valid license by checking online with the Check License Status App. Public adjusters cannot solicit business for seven calendar days after the disaster.

 

INSURANCE

Contact your insurance provider immediately regarding the loss of your home. Review your insurance policy and file your claim. DO NOT RUSH TO SETTLE YOUR CLAIM. Be aware that there are insurance scams out there. 

Visit the California Department of Insurance for resources for Wildfire victims. “Please work with your insurance agent or broker, claims adjuster, and insurance company with a goal of achieving a settlement that you believe is fair and consistent with your coverage.

If you have a question about your insurance or a dispute with your insurance company, please call us at 1-800-927-4357″

More resources: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/WildfireResources.cfm

MORTGAGE

If you lost your home in the wildfires and you have a mortgage on the property, then please contact your mortgage provider. Mortgage Forbearance is not automatic. Your mortgage provider will be able to walk you through the options. 

 

TAX RELIEF

The Los Angeles County Assessor Website has information, fact sheets, and forms related to Disaster Relief. Here is important information regarding eligibility below: 

Misfortune and Calamity Tax Relief

You may be eligible for tax relief if your property is damaged or destroyed by a calamity, such as fire or flooding. To qualify, you must file an Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (M&C) Form ADS-820 with the Assessor’s Office within 12 months from the date the property was damaged or destroyed. The loss must exceed $10,000 of current market value. Relief for Properties Impacted By A Disaster

For questions or to submit an M&C claim, please email relief@assessor.lacounty.gov or call (213) 974-8658.

Proposition 19 Disaster Relief Transfer of Base Value

In addition, if your property was substantially damaged or destroyed by a Governor-declared disaster, Prop.19 provides for your property’s tax base to be transferred to a comparable property within the same county or another county in California. Please visit our Prop. 19 page

For more information or additional help, please use our Contact Form.

For additional resources you may also visit the Board of Equalization’s Disaster Relief website.

 

RESOURCES

Several gyms are opening their spaces to victims of Wildfires including Planet Fitness and Crunch.

Planet Fitness locations

Crunch Locations

Unfortunately with the recent Palisades and Eaton Fires, consumers should be aware that there is potential of price gouging during local emergencies. “Price gouging during a state of emergency is also illegal under Penal Code Section 396. In most circumstances, businesses may not increase the price of goods and services more than 10 percent for consumers impacted by an emergency. This prohibition also applies to hotel and motel rooms, rental housing, and short-term rentals.” More information from the Los Angeles County Consumer & Business Affairs website: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/newsroom/during-emergency-report-suspected-price-gouging/

“If you believe you have been improperly overcharged for goods, services, or housing, keep your records and receipts, and file a price gouging complaint using DCBA’s online complaint reporting tool. There, you can report the location of the incident and upload documents directly to DCBA’s investigators for follow-up. You can also reach DCBA by phone at (800) 593-8222.”

 

Below is a list of resources provided by Property ID for individuals affected by the wildfires across Los Angeles County. 

 

The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

CAL FIRE Serves and Safeguards the People and Protects the Property and Resources of California.

 

Apply for FEMA Disaster Relief Funds

Apply for federal assistance by calling toll-free at (800) 621-FEMA (3362). Disaster victims can register by calling this number—you don’t need to wait to visit a disaster assistance center. For individuals with speech or hearing impairments, please call (800) 462-7585. Federal disaster assistance for residents and businesses in affected counties includes temporary housing assistance, disaster loans, and grants for other essential needs.

 

Fannie Mae’s Disaster Response Network

A comprehensive case management service for disaster-affected homeowners with mortgage loans backed by the company. This program offers personalized support to address safety, basic needs, property repairs, employment, and financial recovery—key factors impacting a borrower’s ability to meet mortgage obligations.

 

State of California, Employment Development Department

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) offers a range of services to individuals and businesses impacted by disasters in California.

 

Los Angeles County Assessor

Taxpayers whose properties have either been destroyed or sustained a minimum of $10,000 in damage may file a Misfortune and Calamity (M&C) claim for property tax relief. Assessor’s Disaster Relief Hotline (213) 974-8658

 

Airbnb

Offering free home stays for those in need of emergency housing Call 211.

 

 

EVACUATION CENTERS

  • Westwood Recreation Center – 1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
  • El Camino Real Charter High School – 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
  • Pasadena Civic Center – 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
  • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center – 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd Pacoima, CA 91331

 

ANIMAL SHELTERS

Small Animals:

  • Agoura Animal Care Center – 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
  • Westwood Recreation Center – 1350 S Sepulveda Blvd Los Angeles 90025
  • Pasadena Humane – 361 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA 91105
  • Castaic Animal Care Center – 31044 Charlie Canyon, Castaic
  • Pomona Fairplex 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona
  • Industry Hills Expo 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry
  • Baldwin Park Animal Care Center4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park
  • Carson Animal Care Center 216 W Victoria St, Gardena
  • Downey Animal Care Center 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey
  • El Camino High School 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills
  • Lancaster Animal Care Center 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster
  • Palmdale Animal Care Center 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale

Large Animals:

  • Los Angeles Equestrian Center – 480 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91506
  • Pierce College – 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367

 

All information is believed to be accurate, but not guaranteed.

 

REALTOR MEMBERS WHO LOST THEIR HOME

“Established in the wake of the devastating 2003 California wildfires, the C.A.R. Disaster Relief Fund provides grants up to $5,000 to help members of the REALTOR® family – REALTORS®, their staff, and association staff – who have incurred losses due to natural disasters. If you have been affected by a recent natural disaster and need assistance, you may apply for a grant from the C.A.R. Disaster Relief Fund. 

 

Application Link: https://www.car.org/difference/realtorscare