FAQs

Altadena Construction and Builders

Eaton Fire FAQs

You can contact Altadena Builders for a Free, No Obligation, Construction cost estimate. We provide planning, permitting assitance and full construction from the ground up to include complete reconstruction.
The blaze that destroyed the city of Altadena, California January, 2025 also killed 17 people and consumed over 9,000 buildings as of this posting.
Altadena, Arcadia, La Canada Flintrige, Pasedena, Sierra Madre and surrouning areas.
President Biden declared the Eaton Fire a Federal Major Disaster Declaration in response to the fires.
Although it is stated that the Army Corps of Engineers will be clearing the major debris over the next 2 years, you can clean your existing docile by gentle sweeping of indoor surfaces followed by wet mopping. Do not use vacuums. You do not want to kick up any debris or toxic dust and always best to use a respirator that is made for small particles like those used when sanding sheetrock. Ask your local home goods store supplier for the best facial mask for this type of cleanup so you can stay safe.

Eaton Fire Disaster Recovery

Click Here to View Eaton Fire Damage Map -

This link will open in a new tab and may not work in all browsers. This is for your review only. We are not responsible for this map. It is made freely available to the public.

Debris Removal

Phase 1 (currently underway): Crews remove hazardous materials (batteries, propane, etc.) from each property. THERE IS NO OPTING OUT OF PHASE 1. Phase 2: Crews from the Army Corps of Engineers remove non-hazardous debris from properties at no cost to homeowners.

  • You can OPT IN by filling out a Right of Entry form
  • You can OPT OUT of the free government program and hire an approved contractor by filling out an Opt Out form

Forms available at recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/

Call the Debris Removal Hotline at (844) 347-3332 with questions.

 

Water

  • Many Altadena residents are still under DO NOT USE or DO NOT DRINK orders (Rubio Cañon, Las Flores, Lincoln Ave service areas). Local water companies are working to restore service to affected areas. Please go to the website of your provider for the latest updates on your neighborhood.

o Rubio Cañon: www.rclwa.org

o Las Flores: www.lasfloreswaterco.com

o Lincoln Ave: www.lawc.org

  • Kinneloa Irrigation District and Pasadena Water & Power have been given the ALL CLEAR for residents to use and drink water.

Public Health

  • If you are searching through your property with ash and debris present, WEAR PROPER EQUIPMENT (mask, gloves, long sleeves, eye protection). Go to publichealth.lacounty.gov for more information.
  • To check the air quality in your neighborhood, go to aqmd.gov. If you smell smoke or your eyes begin burning, that may be a sign of unhealthy air.

Rebuilding

  • The State has taken steps to cut red tape and expedite the rebuilding process for affected residents.
  • The County has also released preliminary procedural guidelines for rebuilding at recovery.lacounty.gov.

Prepare to make an Insurance Claim

  • Keep all receipts during your evacuation.
  • Consumers should make sure any insurance agent or public adjuster offering their services has a valid license by checking online with the Department of Insurance.
  • Download the Department’s Top 10 Tips for Wildfire Claimants (also available in Spanish, Mandarin, and Vietnamese), which includes information about claiming additional living expenses benefits.
  • Under existing law, public adjusters cannot solicit business for seven calendar days after a disaster.
  • Don’t forget copies of insurance policies, important papers, and a photo or video inventory of your possessions. An inventory can be completed quickly and easily on your smartphone and safely stored in the Cloud.

Insurance Hotline

  • Some of you are displaced and can’t make it to in-person insurance events. Constituents can now call the Consumer Hotline at 1-800-927-4357 during normal business hours to ask any insurance-related questions—no need to wait for a workshop or attend in person.

Apply for FEMA Assistance

After making a claim with their insurance provider, the first step residents can take to jumpstart their recovery is to apply for FEMA assistance. There are three ways to apply:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. If you have access to the internet and your electronic devices have power, applying online is the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to apply.
  • On the FEMA App for mobile devices.
  • Calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers

Open to the public the Disaster Resource Centers will be available to the public from 9AM to 8PM. For more recovery resources, visit https://www.recovery.lacounty.gov

  • Eastside Location: Altadena DRC 540 West Woodbury Road Altadena Ca 91001
  • Westside Location: UCLA Research Park West, 10850 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

The following agencies will be available to assist:

  • Aging and Disabilities Department
  • Office of the Assessor
  • Department of Animal Care and Control
  • Department of Child Support Services
  • Department of Children and Family Services
  • Department of Consumer and Business Affairs
  • Department of Economic Opportunity
  • Fire Department
  • LA County Homeless Initiative & Affordable Housing
  • Medical Examiner
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
  • Department of Public Health
    • Environmental Services
    • Emergency Response Team
  • Department of Public Social Services
    • CalWorks
    • CalFresh
    • General Relief
    • MediCal
  • Department of Public Works
    • Building & Safety
    • Environmental Programs/Municipal Services
    • Flood Control
  • Department of Regional Planning
  • Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
    • Recorder Bureau - Document Resources Division
    • Recorder Bureau - Public Resources Division
  • Department of Treasurer & Tax Collector

The Governor has issued a State of Emergency proclamation for the area. This means that for those individuals directly impacted, the one-week waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits is waived (the waiting period is unpaid), and employers can request a 60-day extension to file state payroll reports and deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. You can find more information about EDD’s response to the disaster in our latest press release


Supporting Survivors

For those looking to donate to survivors of the wildfires, here is a list of community funds that have been vetted by Philanthropy California. Donations made to all organizations should be researched thoroughly to avoid falling victim to fraud.


Price Gouging

As reminded by Attorney General Rob Bonta in a consumer alert, price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal under Penal Code Section 396.

Californians who believe they have been the victim of price gouging should report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General.


Other Resources

  • S. Small Business Administration – SBA disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by the wildfires and straight-line winds in California. Types of available loans include: Home Disaster, Business Physical Disaster, and Economic Injury Disaster.
  • LA County Assessor – The County Assessor’s website has the Property Tax Installment Deferral Application and the Application for Reassessment Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity posted. Additionally, there is a FAQ regarding disaster relief.
  • Mental Health Resources for those Impacted by Wildfire
    • 24/7 Mental Health Helpline for Emergency and Clinical Services: 1 (800) 854-7771

Your safety is our top priority. Stay informed, stay prepared and feel free to contact my capitol office at (916) 319-2041 with any questions. Also, to find the nearest resources including more shelters and support click here.

The information on this drop down is taken from here: https://a41.asmdc.org/eaton-fire-resources-affected-residents

 

INFORMATION BELOW TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM THIS LINK: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/library-news/essential-resources-for-housing-recovery-after-eaton-fire/

PASADENA, Calif.— The City of Pasadena reminds residents impacted by the Eaton Fire and other wildfires in Los Angeles County to seek assistance through FEMA if they face housing challenges. FEMA’s Displacement Assistance provides vital support for individuals and families unable to return home due to disaster-related damage. Eligible survivors may qualify for additional rental assistance, helping them secure short-term housing during their recovery. FEMA works closely with households to evaluate temporary housing needs and connect them with the appropriate resources.

Homeowners and renters living near properties designated as red-tagged on the City of Pasadena’s Safety Precautions Map are strongly urged to apply. Red-tagged properties indicate unsafe conditions due to structural damage or other hazard risks. Visit the map at: City of Pasadena Safety Precautions.

Steps to Request Rental Assistance

Homeowners and renters seeking Rental Assistance should contact FEMA by:

  • Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center: The nearest location is Pasadena City College Community Education Center, 3035 E. Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101.
  • Calling the FEMA Helpline: Dial 1-800-621-3362.
  • Sending a Written Request: Address to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.

Ways to Apply for FEMA Assistance

To initiate any FEMA assistance, survivors must first apply. Applications can be submitted by:

  • Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Downloading and using the FEMA App.
  • Calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
  • Visiting the Pasadena Disaster Recovery Center.

The deadline to apply for assistance is March 10, 2025.

Resources for Tenants and Landlords

  • Landlords: FEMA’s Home Repair Assistance program supports landlords who permanently reside in damaged homes. For apartment buildings, assistance covers the owner-occupied unit only. FEMA assistance does not include expenses for common area damages. However, rental properties may qualify for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans. To explore SBA options, contact 1-800-659-2955.
  • Renters: Pre-disaster renters may receive:
  • Reimbursement for short-term lodging.
  • Temporary housing rental funds.
  • Financial support for repairing or replacing essential personal property, including vehicles.
  • Uninsured expenses for medical, dental, childcare, funeral, moving, or storage needs.

Critical Needs Assistance

FEMA provides a one-time $700 payment to address immediate disaster-related expenses, including food, water, and clothing. Survivors are encouraged to apply for this aid as part of their recovery plan.

Legal Resources for Disaster Survivors

Legal support is available to survivors through FEMA’s Disaster Legal Services program and California’s dedicated Disaster Legal Services website: https://disasterlegalservicesca.org/

Additional Support from Local Resources

The Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors has also set up an Eaton Wildfire Resource Center at 1070 Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91106. The center is open from Wednesday, January 22, to Sunday, January 26, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is available in the back of the building on the second level.

Eaton Wildfire Resource Center Services:

Dedicated volunteers at the center are available to assist with:

  • Access to Available Units: Learn about housing options that suit your needs.
  • Leasing Assistance: Get help understanding and navigating the leasing process.
  • Insurance Coverage Guidance: Understand your policy and explore your options.
  • Resource Connections: Find support for short-term housing, clean-up efforts, financing solutions, and your next steps forward.

Whether you have questions about securing a temporary home, understanding your insurance benefits, or accessing additional resources, the volunteers at PFAR are available to help you navigate the path to recovery.

The City of Pasadena Rent Stabilization Department remains committed to ensuring fair housing practices and providing stability for tenants and landlords during this time. For more information, resources, or assistance, please contact a Housing Counselor at (626) 744-7999.

© 2025 Scott Hoffer Construction LLC DBA Altadena Builders, All right reserved.
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