Los Angeles Fires Update—Aftermath, Cleanup & Resources

Earlier this month, Los Angeles was shook by several major wildfires, all happening simultaneously. A number of our friends and clients were directly affected, either through evacuation, fire damage, or loss of their property.

Now that the fires are almost 100% contained and residents have been given the green light to return to their homes in all areas except one, the work of surveying the damage, cleanup and rebuilding begins. Fire department damage inspectors have been going through neighborhoods and documenting fire damage property by property. This is a work in progress, but realtime, searchable damage maps for the Pacific Palisades and Malibu fire, and for the Altadena fire, as they are updated, can be found here:

Damage map for the Pacific Palisades fire (Malibu & Pacific Palisades)

Damage map for the Eaton fire (Altadena)

Cleanup is already underway, with various government agencies working together to provide free cleanup of toxic substances and debris removal. Home owners can sign up for these programs through the LA County fire recovery website here. Additionally, volunteers from many background and faiths are coming together and providing independent relief assistance in terms of cleanup, providing food and essential supplies, as well as emotional support. One such volunteer group with a 24/7 hotline can be found here.

The word in the insurance community is that the insurance companies earnestly intend to pay the claims submitted to them as a result of this disaster, and they are actively in progress doing so. However, there are likely to be delays in this process due to the increased workload.

It is expected that it will be more difficult to obtain fire insurance in the affected areas moving forward, as many insurance companies will likely refrain from issuing new policies and/or renewing existing ones. Some insurers already left California entirely in previous years. The State of California may have to pick up the slack in the market through the California FAIR Plan, which provides basic fire insurance to high-risk properties.

I have been working in real estate in Southern California since 2006 as a real estate agent, real estate broker, life insurance agent, loan officer, and now a mortgage broker. I have many professional connections and can point you in the right direction if you need help with insurance, legal, or even just stress relief.

Reconstructions loans are also available, which can bridge the time period until insurance pays out, and/or fund what insurance may not cover.

Whatever you may need and whether you are a previous client or not, feel free to call, text, email or schedule time to talk to me here, and I will help you in any way I can.