INFORMATION FOR AUSTRALIANS IMPACTED BY THE LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES
We know this can be a difficult time for those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires and we’re here to help. Information below has been collated to assist affected Australians access local services and consular assistance. Enquiries should be raised directly with the service provider.
We will continue to make updates as information becomes available. Follow us via the Australian Consulate-General Los Angeles social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Quick links:
- Up-to-date information on Evacuations, Shelters, Curfews, Transportation, and Road Closures
- For information on recovery resources
- Evacuation Orders and Curfew Information, including evacuation orders and warning maps can be viewed at
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the state, territory or tribal government may provide direct and financial disaster assistance to U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals and qualified non-citizens. See below link for more details on eligibility.
- Eligible individuals & business owners who have sustained losses in designated areas can apply for assistance from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at:
- https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
- Or by calling the FEMA helpline at +1 800 621 3362
- The FEMA helpline is available in multiple languages.
- Congressman Brad Sherman announced additional FEMA assistance for wildfire victims on 12 January, information can be found at: Additional Assistance for Fire Victims
- FEMA assistance is designed to help cover costs not covered by insurance.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centres
- At the Disaster Recovery Centres (DRC) people can get help applying for federal assistance, speak to representatives from state and federal agencies, receive updates on their FEMA application for assistance and learn about the appeals process.
Disaster Recovery Centres in Los Angeles are located at:
UCLA Research Park West
10850 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Hours of operation – Daily: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Pasadena City College Community Education Center
3035 East Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91106
Hours of operation – Daily: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- You may visit a DRC to
- Learn about disaster assistance programs.
- Apply for disaster assistance.
- Check the status of your FEMA application.
- Help you understand FEMA notices or letters.
- Find housing and rental assistance information.
- Get referrals to agencies.
- Meet with a Small Business Administration (SBA) agent.
- California state, county, and local agencies are also located at these locations to provide assistance and facilitate the replacement of vital records from California.
- When visiting a disaster recovery centre, it’s helpful to bring some important information with you.
- Address of the damaged primary residence
- Insurance coverage information
- Current phone number and mailing address
- Bank account information
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides disaster assistance loans for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by the wildfires.
- SBA loans are available to U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals and qualified non-citizens.
- SBA services can be applied for at
- Disaster assistance | U.S. Small Business Administration
- Applicants also may call SBA’s Customer Service Centre at +1 800 659 2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or in person at a DRC.
- Disaster assistance | U.S. Small Business Administration
- For information on emergency shelter nearest to you, text (SMS) SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362
- You can also find up to date information on shelters open for people, small animals, and large animals such as horses at the following websites:
- In addition, Planet Fitness locations in Los Angeles are offering anyone affected by the fires, including first responders, free access to their facilities, including showers, massage chairs, locker rooms, and WiFi. Contact the club near you for more information and hours.
- Hotels and services such as Airbnb across Southern California are offering special rates for those impacted by the wildfires.
- Airbnb
- Airbnb, in partnership with 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing for residents displaced or forced to evacuate due to the recent wildfires. Submit your information to receive notifications on availability. Please note, spaces are limited, and completing the form does not guarantee a stay. Eligibility criteria apply.
- Los Angeles
- A list of hotels offering special rates in the city of Los Angeles has been complied by LA Tourism
- A list of hotels offering special rates across Los Angeles has been complied by the Hotel Association of Los Angeles
- Santa Monica
- A list of hotels offering special rates in Santa Monica has been complied by Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
- Torrance
- A list of hotels offering special rates in Torrance has been complied by Discover Torrance
- Long Beach
- A list of hotels offering special rates in Long Beach has been complied by Visit Long Beach
- Anaheim
- A list of hotels offering special rates in Anaheim has been complied by Visit Anaheim
- San Diego
- A list of hotels offering special rates in San Diego has been complied by the San Diego Tourism Authority
- Santa Barbra
- A list of hotels offering special rates in Santa Barbara has been complied by Visit Santa Barbra
- Big Bear
- Big Bear Lake Visitors Center has compiled a list of lodging offering special rates in Big Bear
- The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is working with government agencies, nonprofit and faith-based partners and others to respond to the fires throughout Los Angeles County.
- The Westside Food Bank is working with government agencies, nonprofit and faith-based partners and others to respond to the fires throughout Los Angeles County.
- World Central Kitchen is distributing food across Los Angeles.
- A list of restaurants providing meals for those impacted by the fires can also be found at
- A comprehensive spreadsheet of resources by location and aid type is available via Mutual Aid LA.
- You can find a directory of brands providing free products to families displaced by the wildfires includes baby items, clothing, bedding, personal care products, and more.
- YMCA locations across Southern California are offering services which include showers, food, water, and essential items. More information can be found
- California Fire Foundation’s Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program provides a $250 gift card given to eligible survivors of fire and natural disasters
- Assistance specific to members of the entertainment industry can be found from the SAG-AFTRA union
Do you need to replace your passport?
- If your passport has been lost or damaged due to the Los Angeles fires, you may be eligible for a free replacement. A replacement passport is valid only until the expiry date of the passport it replaces. Contact Australian Consulate-General in Los Angeles to start the process. More information is available at Natural disasters | Australian Passport Office.
Do you need to renew your passport?
- If you’re not eligible for a replacement passport or you’d prefer a new passport with full validity, you can renew your passport. It costs the standard fee and is valid for a full ten or five years. Australia in the USA provides a step-by-step guide on how to apply for your passport while you are in the United States.
Do you need to replace a primary identification document (birth certificate, marriage certificate)?
- To replace birth certificates and identity documents, you will need to contact the births, deaths and marriages agency in your applicable state or territory and apply for the document online.
Do you need to replace your Australian citizenship certificate?
- To replace an Australian citizenship certificate that has been lost or damaged you can apply online via https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login. If you need to replace your Australian citizenship evidence due to the Los Angeles fires, you may be eligible for a fee exemption. Further information is available at the Department of Home Affairs: Get a citizenship certificate.
Do you need other official documents relating to your interests in Australia?
- You will need to make contact directly with the agency in the state or territory where you originally obtained the document. Contact the Australian Consulate-General in Los Angeles if you would like assistance.
Do you need a document notarised?
- The Australian Consulate-General in Los Angeles provides notarial services for Australians overseas. These services include issuing Certificates of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI), certifying photos and true copies of documents, witnessing signatures, verifying identity, and legalising documents. To request a notarial service, contact the Australian Consulate-General in Los Angeles.
If you need consular assistance, please contact the Australian Consulate on +1 310 229 2300 or consular.losangeles@dfat.gov.au.
Outside of business hours, Australians requiring emergency consular assistance can call the 24-hour consular emergency helpline free from the US on +61 2 6261 3305.
We will continue to provide further information in the coming days.
Mental health services in the United States
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
- Call +1 (800) 854 7771
- Disaster Distress Helpline
- Call or text +1 (800) 985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Crisis Text Line
- Text HOME to 741741
- 988 Lifeline
- Call or text 988
Mental health services in Australia
- Lifeline
- Call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14 (within Australia)
Australia in the USA
The Australian Government has seven diplomatic missions in the United States – the Embassy in Washington DC and Consulates in Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.
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