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:

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:
  • The FEMA helpline is available in multiple languages.
  • FEMA assistance is designed to help cover costs not covered by insurance.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centres

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

Do you need to replace your passport? 

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.
State or territoryResources
ACTACT Government - Access Canberra
NSWNew South Wales Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
NTNorthern Territory Births, Deaths and Marriages
QldQueensland Births, Deaths and Marriages and Divorces
SASouth Australia Births, Deaths and Marriages
TasTasmania Births, Deaths and Marriages
VicVictoria Births, Deaths and Marriages
WAWestern Australia Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages

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?

Do you need a document notarised?

 

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 

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. 

Stay connected

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