Fire Safety And Health Information

Current Situation

Multiple fires continue to burn throughout Los Angeles County, although firefighters have made progress on stopping and/or increasing containment on several of them. The California National Guard is currently deployed to Los Angeles County to support emergency response missions, including ingress and curfew enforcement for the impacted communities. Water quality issues remain in areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton Fire. Thousands of homes and other structures have been lost. Los Angeles County departments, including Sheriff, Fire, Office of Emergency Management, Public Works and Public Health, work together to provide comprehensive services so those affected by the wildfires have the information they need.

Once local officials have cleared the area and allowed entry, individuals entering previously evacuated, or fire damaged areas should take precautions to protect their health and safety.

For a comprehensive list of information related to active wildfires and services being provided by the County of Los Angeles, visit https://www.lacounty.gov/emergency/.

On Friday, January 10, Public Health declared a local health emergency in Los Angeles County and issued an order temporarily banning the use of air blowing devices, like leaf blowers. The recent strong winds and fires have caused hazardous air quality, increased ash, and debris, and disrupted essential health services. During the fire recovery and cleanup, air blowers are prohibited throughout the county until the Health Officer determines it is safe to use them without harming public health. Ash is like a fine, dangerous dust that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and can cause major problems everywhere it lands. It’s not just dirt.

To report use of air blowing devices like leaf blowers, residents can call Environmental Health at (888) 700-9995 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) or submit a complaint via email to ehmail@ph.lacounty.gov.

Recovery Resources

For essential information and LA County resources to support families impacted by wildfires, visit the LA County Recovers website by clicking the button below.

Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers

Westside Location



Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers will open to the public on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 8:00PM. Starting Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the Disaster Resource Centers will be available to the public from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Eastside Location



Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers will open to the public on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 8:00PM. Starting Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the Disaster Resource Centers will be available to the public from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Medication Access Assistance Service

Public Health is providing medication access assistance service at each of the Disaster Recovery Centers. Nurses at the sites will assist families with information, education, and referrals for clinical health concerns, including getting access to medications for those who lost their medications in the fire by helping them connect with their pharmacy or their usual provider. If refills are unavailable or they face challenges in connecting, the nurses at each site will connect with physicians and pharmacists in the DPH telehealth service to provide new prescriptions to bridge families until they are able to connect with their primary care provider again. For patients needing medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction, the MAT Consultation Line (213-288-9090) is able to offer these prescriptions and operates 7 days per week from 8am - midnight.

Additional Guidance and Resources for Medication Assistance
  • People should call their regular pharmacy or, if not open, another location of the same chain if possible;
  • LA Care and Health Net have set up call lines for their members and DHCS has asked all health plans to ensure access so residents can also try calling their insurer;
  • Teladoc Health is offering free, 24/7 virtual medical care by calling 855-225-5032. Services include treatment for conditions such as respiratory infections, allergies, sinus problems and cold or flu symptoms, company officials said. Additionally, Teladoc Health is providing assistance with prescription refills for non-narcotic medications. For more information, visit: https://www.teladochealth.com/info/disaster-hotline
  • GoodRx is offering free online healthcare provider visits. Angelenos can use the code LA-GOODRX-CARE to be seen by a licensed medical provider on GoodRx Care for a variety of conditions including help with medication refills; https://www.goodrx.com/care
  • For additional information, visit: https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/los-angeles-county-wildfires-how-to-manage-medications-during-a-disaster/
  • All insurance plans have been instructed to suspend prescription refill limitations and allow impacted members to refill their prescriptions at out-of-network pharmacies at the usual in-network cost-sharing rates. The plan will also permit impacted members to obtain new prescriptions at out-of-network pharmacies.

News & Updates

Press Releases

Protecting Your Health After a Fire

Public Health reminds residents in the affected areas to take precautions to protect their health and well-being after a fire. When returning home after a fire, it is important to know the proper steps and actions to take to clean, rebuild and recover safely.

Tips to Keep You and Your Loved Ones Healthy and Safe
  • How to Safely Clean-Up After a Fire
    • Wear gloves, long sleeved shirts and pants to avoid skin contact.
    • Wear a disposable mask with a rating of N-95 or better during clean-up. Read label on package for proper use.
    • Gently sweep indoor and outdoor surfaces, then follow with wet mopping.
    • Avoid getting ash into the air. Don't use a leaf blower or shop vacuum
  • Food Safety Tips When Returning Home After a Fire
    • Food, drinks and food products that have been covered with ash should be discarded.
    • Items stored in sealed glass or metal cans or jars should be safe for use. Clean before opening.
    • Food, drinks and food products that have been covered with ash should be discarded.
    • Items stored in sealed glass or metal cans or jars should be safe for use. Clean before opening.

For additional guidance, including information on how to ensure you have safe drinking water, interim fire rebuild guidelines, and fire recovery guidelines for food operators, visit Environmental Health's Fire Recovery Guidance for Residents and Businesses.

Precautions When Assessing Your
Property After a Fire

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Returning Home After a Fire
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