Information and Resources for People Impacted by LA Area Fires

Jan 15

Written By California Work & Family Coalition

Last Updated 1/17/2025

This resource list is an ongoing collaboration of California Work & Family Coalition members and staff. It is not intended to be exhaustive. If you have questions about a specific resource please click the link to learn more.

Workers Rights During Wildfires/Emergencies

California Department of Industrial Relations

California Department of Industrial Relations Press Release: Wildfire Smoke Alert: Cal/OSHA urges employers to protect workers from unhealthy air in Pacific Palisades
California Department of Industrial Relations Factsheet: Worker Safety Wildfire Smoke and Evacuation Zones

UCLA Labor and Occupational Safety & Health Program

Worker Protection from Wildfire Smoke: Emergency Cal/OSHA Standard 2019

Family School Partnership Act - California State Law

Parents may be able to take job-protected, unpaid leave from work to enroll a child in childcare or school, to attend a child’s school or childcare activities, or to address childcare or school emergencies. To be eligible, a parent must work for an employer with 25 or more employees at the same location. School activities include field trips, parent-teacher conferences, and graduations. A parent may take up to 40 hours each year, but no more than 8 hours per month, except for emergencies, including school or daycare closures.
If you have questions about the Family School Partnership Act please visit Legal Aid at Work's Work and Family page

California Paid Sick and Safe Days - Agricultural Workers

Agricultural employees who work outdoors can now use paid sick and safe days to avoid smoke, heat or flooding created by a local or state emergency, including when the employee’s worksite is closed due to the smoke, heat, or flooding conditions.
For more information please see question 23 on the California Department of Industrial Relations California Paid Sick Leave Frequently Asked Questions

Center for WorkLife Law - English and Spanish Resource!

In response to the Los Angeles area wildfires, WorkLife Law has compiled know-your-rights information and resources for impacted workers who are pregnant, parenting, or providing care to a loved one. Information is available in English and Spanish. Please share far and wide!
En respuesta a los incendios del área de Los Ángeles, WorkLife Law ha recopilado información y recursos sobre los derechos de los trabajadores afectados que están embarazadas, son padres o cuidan a un ser querido. La información está disponible en inglés y español. ¡Por favor comparte por todas partes!

Unemployment Insurance for Workers Impacted by the LA Fires

Press Release: Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Now Available to Los Angeles County Workers Impacted by California Wildfires and Severe Winds
Press Release: California Supports Southern California Communities Impacted by the State of Emergency and Provides Relief for Workers and Businesses - The One-Week Waiting Period is Waived for Regular Unemployment Claims Impacted by Los Angeles County Fires
EDD’s new dedicated phone lines for individuals affected by the LA County fires.

English: 1-833-998-2284
Spanish: 1-855-964-0634
Other languages: 1-800-300-5616
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
EDD Disaster-Related Services

Learn more about Unemployment Insurance Eligibility and How to Apply at the Employment Development Department’s Website

Information About Taking Paid Family and Medical Leave in California

California Paid Leave for Your Own Serious Health Condition

Qualifying workers may be eligible to receive Disability Insurance benefits if they are unable to do their regular or customary work due to their own serious health condition, whether physical or mental.

For more information about what is considered as a disability for SDI, see this article from Legal Aid at Work
Learn more about Disability Insurance eligibility and how to apply at the Employment Development Department’s website

Workers may also separately qualify for job protection under the California Family Rights Act

You can see a sample letter to request leave from your employer on Legal Aid at Work’s website here

California Work & Family Coalition Resource Hub - Information about paid sick and safe days, paid family and medical leave rights and related rights in California

Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network - Local Resources

January 2025 Fire & Win Storm Resource Library, provided by Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network. This resource is actively being updated during this event and contains valuable information for both service providers and individuals in fire-affected areas.

County of Los Angeles Incident Response Website

For incident updates and resources for residents impacted by wildfires, please visit the County of Los Angeles Incident Response Website.

California State and Local + Federal Resources

2025 LA Fires: Resources for Californians Impacted by the Los Angeles Fires

Resources for Union Members Impacted by LA Fires

Los Angeles Federation of Labor California Wildfire Resources
California Labor Federation LA Wildfires: Resources and Relief Funds

Los Angeles Tenant Resources

FEMA Assistance is available for residents impacted by LA County wildfires (eng/esp) - LA County
Know Your Rights for Tenants during LA Fires - Los Angeles Tenants Union (LATU)
Essential Information for LA County Tenants - Public Counsel

FEMA Assistance FAQ

FAQs on FEMA Financial Assistance - Public Counsel

California Partnership to End Domestic Violence - Resources for Survivors

California Partnership to End Domestic Violence's Emergency Preparedness Toolkit.

California Immigrant Policy Center - Shelter Related Resources

Open Air Worker Emergency Fund by Inclusive Action for the City.
During the ongoing wildfire emergency in Los Angeles County, Inclusive Action has launched a new emergency fund to help outdoor workers – street vendors, landscapers, and recyclers – impacted by the fires. Through this fund, impacted outdoor workers can apply for one-time cash assistance support of $500. Recipients will receive cash payments on a first-come, first-served basis, and as funding allows. Eligible to workers regardless of immigration status.

Application deadline is January 17th at 5pm. English application. Aplicación en espanol.

To donate funding to sustain the Open Air Worker Emergency Fund, click here.
Support Immigrant Workers Impacted by the Los Angeles Fires by NDLON
The Pasadena Community Job Center, at 500 N. Lake Ave. in Pasadena, is serving as an Emergency Center for the day laborer community, providing temporary shelter, food, water, and emergency kits
Disaster Assistance Services for Immigrant Californians (Instagram Post) by CA Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) and CA Department of Social Services (CDSS)
Your Immigration Status Does Not Matter Everyone Is Welcome at Emergency Shelters (Instagram Post) by Listos California
Disaster Assistance Services Guide for Immigrant Californians (Instagram Post) by Inclusive Action for the City

Please email Edgar Ortiz, eortiz@caimmigrant.org with any questions about these resources.

BreastfeedLA - Infant Feeding During Emergencies

From BreastfeedLA's 1/8/25 BreastfeedLA Statement on the Wildfires Affecting Our Community "Parents who have been exposed to wildfire smoke can safely continue breastfeeding or chestfeeding. However, it is important to take precautions to reduce exposure to harmful particles:

Remove smoke particles from the skin: Parents should take a shower as soon as possible to wash away smoke particles and reduce exposure to toxins.
Change clothing: Remove any clothing contaminated with smoke and either wash it promptly or keep it in a closed hamper until it can be cleaned.
Protect infants: When entering a safe indoor space away from the smoke, parents should change their baby’s clothing and clean their skin to minimize continued exposure to airborne toxins."

CDC's Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies Toolkit
Request for Lactation Support, Donation Requests, Item Donations:

Please fill out this form if you would like to:

Donate
Volunteer
Request donations
Sign up for lactation support

Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy - Workers Rights, PPE, Emergency Information + Food Distribution

Workers Rights During Emergencies

Cal/OSHA's "Worker Protection from Wildfire Smoke" webpage (Linked)
UCLA LOSH "Worker Protection from Wildfire Smoke: Emergency Cal/OSHA Standard 2019" (Linked)
For ongoing updates, we recommend the Watch Duty App (free in Apple or Google store)

PPE Unite Direct Contact: Text Jay, (310) 528-4777

Please note that LA DPH is not affiliated with PPE Unite, they have let us know that they have N-95 masks available. Please note that while they will do their best to assist, response is based on demand and availability and might involve a fee.
Mutual Aid Free N95 Masks: 6325 Pacific Blvd St 300, Huntington Park

Emergency Information

Watch Duty, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has an app that alerts subscribers of nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real-time. The app is free and can be accessed at the Apple App Store or Google Play and downloaded to your smartphone.
You can follow or contact ENLA (Emergency Network LA) for more information on current fire events, or to connect with mutual aid disaster response organizations in LA County. Or follow ENLA on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook and LinkedIn.