Reports from Los Angeles County government or verified news outlets

California Legislature Approves $2.5 Billion for Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery, Aiding 28 Dead and 16,000 Destroyed Structures

Jan 23, 2025, 10:17 PM

The California Legislature has approved a $2.5 billion relief package to aid Los Angeles in its recovery efforts from recent deadly wildfires. The package, which received bipartisan support, includes funding for emergency disaster response efforts such as evacuations, sheltering survivors, and removing household hazardous waste. Additionally, $4 million was allocated for local governments to streamline approvals for rebuilding homes, and $1 million to support school districts in rebuilding facilities. Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign the package, which is seen as the first step in a larger effort to support wildfire survivors and protect communities from future blazes. The wildfires, which started on January 7, have resulted in 28 deaths and the destruction of thousands of acres and over 16,000 structures in Los Angeles County, including the Pacific Palisades neighborhood and the Eaton Fire near Altadena. The region is also battling the Hughes Fire, which led to evacuation orders for more than 50,000 people. Newsom's administration anticipates federal reimbursement for the relief funding, although President Donald Trump has suggested conditions might be attached to federal aid. The governor also announced a commitment by 270 state-chartered banks, credit unions, and lenders to provide mortgage relief to homeowners impacted by the fires.