Restoration after Wildfire
Essential Wildfire Resources for Southern California Homeowners
The relentless wildfires in Southern California have ravaged communities—destroying tens of thousands of structures, displacing hundreds of thousands of people, and claiming precious lives. As a company rooted in California, Golden Coast Fire Restoration Service feels this loss acutely. We are mobilizing immediately in the affected regions, deploying both national and local response teams to actively support our firefighters through critical supply drops and direct on-the-ground assistance.
Our commitment to our communities is unwavering. We have assembled a comprehensive suite of resources to guide you through wildfire preparedness, evacuation procedures, and the complex process of recovery. In these challenging times, we stand united with you. Golden Coast Fire Restoration Service is ready to provide the expert support and steadfast leadership necessary to help rebuild and restore our cherished communities.
Update on Debris Removal
Los Angeles County has expressed commitment to rebuilding our communities quickly and safely after the recent wildfires. The county’s debris removal effort is being carried out in two distinct phases, each overseen by specialized agencies committed to efficiency and safety.
Residents have a choice in how they participate: you can enroll in the government-run program for a coordinated cleanup, or you can opt to manage the debris removal independently. Both options are designed to accommodate different needs while ensuring that every neighborhood has a clear path to recovery.
For more details on each phase and to access the opt-in or opt-out forms, please click here.
10 Essential Steps for Wildfire Recovery
When disaster strikes, a clear, decisive plan can help you navigate the road to recovery. Here are ten carefully prioritized steps to safeguard your well-being and rebuild your life after a wildfire.
Ensure Personal Safety First
- Prioritize securing shelter, food, and essential supplies immediately. Organizations like the Red Cross are on standby to provide temporary accommodations, meals, and clothing.
- Exercise extreme caution when entering fire-damaged areas. Always wear protective gear—sturdy boots, gloves, and a mask—as unstable structures, soot, and hazardous materials may still pose serious risks.
- Regularly monitor local air quality through reliable sources such as AirNow.gov, and avoid venturing into areas with unsafe air conditions.
Register with Disaster Relief Agencies
- Enroll with local shelters, the Red Cross, and other relief organizations to secure your spot on aid distribution lists.
- Early registration is crucial for accessing coordinated disaster relief efforts and additional support as needed.
Notify Your Insurance Carrier Immediately
- Contact your insurance provider without delay to activate “Loss of Use” coverage. This vital step may provide immediate financial support for essentials, such as clothing, toiletries, and meals.
- Work closely with your insurer to understand the coverage available for temporary housing and personal property claims.
Selecting a Specialist in Fire Restoration
- When choosing a contractor for fire and smoke restoration, it’s essential to work with professionals who specialize in property restoration and possess the unique skills required for effective recovery. Golden Coast Construction & Restoration is fully licensed and certified by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), ensuring adherence to rigorous safety and quality standards during every phase of cleanup and repair.
- When deciding on Fire Restoration Company, consider reviewing references, examining before-and-after photos, and evaluating completed and ongoing projects. This due diligence will help ensure you select a trustworthy contractor with the proven experience necessary for effective fire restoration.
- Choosing a dedicated fire restoration contractor like Golden Coast Construction & Restoration often provides faster, specialized service that bypasses the delays of insurance claims.
Document Your Losses Meticulously
- Create a comprehensive inventory of your belongings, organized room by room. Include detailed descriptions, brand names, and estimated replacement costs.
- Keep all receipts and track any additional living expenses, as thorough documentation is key for insurance claims and financial recovery.
Establish a Centralized Mail System
- Set up a PO Box to consolidate your mail if your home address becomes inaccessible.
- Use your new mailing address for all correspondence related to insurance claims and recovery assistance.
Communicate with Local Utilities and Service Providers
- Promptly notify utility companies—electricity, gas, water, and subscriptions—to freeze or cancel services as needed.
- Forward billing information to your PO Box to prevent any missed payments or additional fees during this transition.
Search for Temporary and Long-Term Housing Early
- Begin your hunt for a rental property that meets your needs as housing demand may spike post-wildfire.
- Coordinate with your insurance provider to ensure that any temporary housing expenses are managed directly and efficiently.
Connect with Local Businesses for Support
- When purchasing essential items, inform store owners of your situation. Many local businesses extend special discounts or assistance to those affected by wildfires.
- This engagement not only helps you save but also fosters a sense of community solidarity.
Lean on Your Community and Network
- Recovery is a collective effort. Reach out to neighbors, friends, and community groups to share resources, insights, and support.
- Building strong community ties can ease the long and challenging process of rebuilding your home and life.
Recovering from Wildfire Losses
Document Inventory Properly
Make sure details about each item are properly and consistently recorded.
Commercial Properties
Remember, commercial properties such as religious institutions, schools, universities, libraries, and municipal buildings are also at risk. Having a complete inventory for these types of properties is just as essential.
Residential Properties
For residential properties, meticulously documenting every personal belonging is crucial—not only to safeguard cherished memories but also to ensure you receive the full support needed to rebuild your home and life.
Examples of Common Contents Covered by Insurance:
Fire Restoration Process
The fire restoration process involves a comprehensive assessment, meticulous cleaning to remove soot and contaminants, and targeted repairs and rebuilding to restore your property to its pre-fire condition.

Wildfire Preparedness & Recovery Resources
The organizations listed below offer regular updates on Southern California wildfires and share crucial information to support residents and businesses in affected areas.
Local (Los Angeles & Southern California)
The organizations listed below offer regular updates on Southern California wildfires and share crucial information to support residents and businesses in affected areas.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Los Angeles Fire Department
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
Cal Fire
Helpful Tools
- Stay up to date on all fires by downloading the Watch Duty app
- U.S. Air Quality Index for California
- California Air Resources Board offers smoke and air quality resources
- California Power Outages Map
- Road Closures – For information about road closures, you may dial 511 or obtain information online from Caltrans.
- 211LA – 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember phone number that connects callers to information and services in times of need. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even during disasters. Please call if you are seeking resources such as clothing, food, or programs for your family.
American Red Cross
Find your local American Red Cross.
Find open shelters and disaster services with the Red Cross Shelter Locator. Current open shelters as of January 8, 2025:
- Westwood Recreation Center
1350 South Sepulveda Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025 - El Camino Real Charter High School
5440 Valley Circle Boulevard
Woodland Hills, CA 91367 - Ritchie Valens Recreation Center
10736 Laurel Canyon Boulevard
Pacoima, CA 91331
Additional Resources
- California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKS)
- Local Salvation Army Locator
- VRBO may offer reduced rates for housing in times of disaster
- PBS SoCal, Resources to Help You Navigate the L.A. Wildfires
LAist
Resources for SoCal fire victims, evacuees and first responders
- Apply for Emergency Airbnb Support.
- Find local hotels with vacancies.
- YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is opening its L.A. locations and offering services and resources.
National Resources
The agencies listed below provide up-to-date wildfire information and essential resources to help communities nationwide prepare for and recover from fire incidents, supporting both residents and businesses across the country.
FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages disaster response at the national level. If a disaster is declared in your area, visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov to apply for assistance. FEMA also offers a Text Message Program:
- To locate an open emergency shelter, text SHELTER and a zip code to 43362 (4FEMA).
- To locate an open Disaster Recovery Center, text DRC and a zip code to 43362 (4FEMA). Please note that standard message and data rates apply.
Additional wildfire information and resources
- U.S. Fire Administration, After the Fire
- OSHA, Wildfires – Introduction
- Ready.gov, Wildfires
- Ready.gov, Home Fires
- Red Cross, Wild Fire Safety
- Red Cross, Home Fire Safety
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Wildfire Resources
- AirNow.gov, Air Quality Index
Key Financial Information for Wildfire Recovery
1. Forbearance Programs
What It Is:
Forbearance allows you to temporarily pause or reduce your mortgage payments if your property is impacted by a wildfire.
Key Details:
- Temporary Relief: Many lenders offer forbearance for up to 12 months, typically without penalties or late fees.
- Repayment Options: At the end of the forbearance period, missed payments will need to be repaid through one of the following methods:
- A structured repayment plan
- A loan modification
- An extension of your loan term
Considerations:
- Credit Impact: Forbearance can affect your credit score. Some lenders might report these as late payments. Always confirm reporting practices with your lender.
- Future Loan Eligibility: Post-forbearance, you may need to demonstrate 12 consecutive on-time payments (this may vary by loan type) before qualifying for new loans.
Action Step:
Contact your lender as soon as possible to apply for forbearance or to confirm your eligibility.
2. Mortgage Payments
Continuing Obligations:
Even if your property has been destroyed, mortgage payments typically must continue.
Relief Options:
Lenders—including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac—offer forbearance programs that may temporarily suspend or reduce payments. Reach out to your mortgage provider to explore these options.
3. Property Taxes
Obligation:
Property taxes remain due, regardless of the damage sustained.
Relief Programs:
You might qualify for disaster relief programs that offer tax deferrals without penalties. For example, Los Angeles County’s Misfortune and Calamity Tax Relief program can provide this benefit.
Action Step:
Contact your local tax authority to see if you qualify for such programs.
4. Utility Bills
Obligation:
Utility bills must continue to be paid, even if services are temporarily interrupted.
Relief Options:
Contact your utility provider to ask about available options, such as:
- Payment deferrals
- Assistance programs tailored for disaster recovery
Need Further Assistance?
Golden Coast Construction & Restoration is here to help. We offer compassionate, expert assistance every step of the way to ensure your recovery and restoration journey is as smooth as possible.
1. Expertise in Board-Up
Golden Coast is more than just a fire restoration company. We are your first line of defense when disaster strikes, ensuring your property is secured with our specialized board-up services.
2. Comprehensive Protection
When a fire wreaks havoc, windows, doors, and other openings can be compromised. Our board-up solutions safeguard against further damages, potential thefts, and unwanted intrusions, preserving the integrity of your property.
3. Rapid Response
Understanding the urgency after a fire incident, our team is on standby around the clock. We ensure swift action to minimize further risks, providing peace of mind when you need it most.
4. Advanced Techniques
We utilize the latest tools and methodologies for our board-up services, ensuring a secure and efficient setup tailored to the unique requirements of each property.
Compassionate Customer Service
At Golden Coast, we recognize the emotional strain of fire incidents. Our dedicated team approaches each board-up job with care, understanding, and a commitment to support you during challenging times.
Seamless Transition to Restoration
Once your property is boarded up and secure, we offer a smooth transition into comprehensive fire damage restoration, ensuring your home or business is on the path to recovery as soon as possible.
Board-up services involve sealing off windows, doors, and other openings of a structure with durable boards to protect it from external threats and prevent further damage.
Response times vary among providers, but at Golden Coast Fire Restorations, we prioritize emergencies and aim to respond within hours. It’s advisable to call us right away to minimize the damage and secure protection of the property.
Professionally executed board-up services aim to protect and not harm. While some minor markings might occur due to the fastening of boards, reputable companies employ techniques to minimize any further damage.
The duration largely depends on the reason for boarding up and how quickly repairs or other necessary actions are taken. It can range from a few days to several weeks or even longer.
No, board-up services can cover windows, doors, and other openings or vulnerable points in a structure to ensure maximum protection.
It’s recommended to use professional services to ensure the board-up is effective, safe, and minimizes further damage. Professionals have the tools, experience, and knowledge to handle various scenarios.
Many insurance policies cover board-up services, especially if they’re used to prevent further damage after an insured event. It’s always best to check with your insurance provider for specifics.
Typically, plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) is used due to their durability and effectiveness. The thickness and type might vary based on the specific need.
Golden Coast Fire Restorations offers 24/7 emergency services to address urgent needs.
Yes, provisions can be made to ensure owners or authorized personnel can access the property when necessary.
We work closely with insurance adjusters and emergency services to ensure seamless coordination and effective service delivery.
Got Another Question?
Feel free to contact our office and one of our representatives will be glad to help you address all of your concerns and answer all questions you might have.