With the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire nearing full containment, residents are finally being allowed to return home and assess the damage left in the wake of the wildfires. On Monday, all remaining evacuation orders for the Palisades Fire were lifted, though access is currently restricted to residents only.
Los Angeles County officials are urging homeowners to take proper precautions when reentering their communities. Residents should wear N95 masks and safety goggles to protect against lingering airborne hazards. Additionally, authorities recommend wearing gloves, long-sleeved clothing, pants, closed-toe shoes, and socks to minimize exposure to debris and potential contaminants.
As recovery efforts continue, first responders and utility crews remain on-site to clear downed power lines, eliminate hazardous materials, and extinguish any remaining spot fires. Utility companies are also required to halt billing for properties that can no longer receive service, without charging disconnection fees.
Also Read – California’s Incarcerated Firefighters: A Path to Redemption and Lifesaving Careers
For homeowners seeking information on structural damage, an online assessment tool allows residents to enter their home address and view a photograph of their property. Los Angeles County has confirmed that most insurance companies will accept these images when processing claims.
To speed up the rebuilding process, California Governor Gavin Newsom has suspended certain requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In addition, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has signed an order to streamline permit approvals by establishing a centralized process.
The first steps for homeowners looking to rebuild include:
- Removing household hazardous waste
- Clearing debris from the property
Rebuilding resources are available through the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning at this link.
For residents who lost important documents in the fire, such as vital records or real estate documents, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office is available for assistance. Homeowners can call 800-201-8999 (select option 1, then option 2) or submit requests via email at recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov.
As the region continues to recover, officials are also preparing for potential flash floods, mudslides, and debris flows following heavy weekend rain across Southern California. Residents are encouraged to review the Homeowner’s Guide for Flood, Debris, and Erosion Control, created by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, to help protect their properties.
For the latest updates on recovery efforts and additional guidance, residents should continue checking Los Angeles County’s official information channels.
- LA City Council Moves to Ban Two Specific Slurs in Meetings - March 24, 2025
- Deadly Gunfight Erupts in Downtown LA, Leaving One Dead - March 24, 2025
- Heartbreaking News: Missing 16-Year-Old Found Dead in Los Angeles - March 24, 2025
