Wildfire Resources and Information
Dear Neighbor,
The past week has been extremely difficult for Southern California as wildfires have torn through our communities.
I’m hoping and praying for the safety of everyone impacted, and I’m tremendously grateful to all the first responders who are working to keep us safe.
Sadly, these devastating wildfires are becoming all too common in California. We no longer have a wildfire season—it’s year-round. Make no mistake, this is the climate crisis in action. Extreme weather is amplifying the conditions for these fires, making them more common and more deadly.
As the risk of fires in our region continues, I want to share with you some of the work I’m doing to help combat fires and support those impacted by them, as well as important resources you may need to stay alert and prepared in the event of a fire in your area.
My Work to Prevent Fires from Starting
It’s clear that climate change is making wildfires more severe and more common. In Congress, I’ve been a leader in advancing and supporting legislation that will help us combat climate change and stop the extreme weather we’re already facing from getting worse.
At home, I’ve delivered federal funding to make our region more resistant to drought. Last year, I secured $577,000 to upgrade water infrastructure in Orange County to generate 200 acre-feet per year of new water. I’ve also secured funding for other drought resistance projects across our district, including $1,250,000 in Dana Point and $9,941,533 in Oceanside.
By increasing drought resilience, we are helping lower the risks of wildfires. And by increasing pumping capacity, we are ensuring we have more resources to combat fires.
To see all the federal funding I’ve brought home for projects across our district, you can visit the project map on my website.
In addition to bringing home federal funding for projects to prevent wildfires, I also helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included $8,250,000,000 for wildfire management and $3,800,000,000 for drought resilience projects across the country.
My Work to Fight Fires When They Start
In addition to working to prevent fires from breaking out, I’ve taken steps to help us combat fires when they start.
I worked with my San Diego colleagues to deliver $3,470,000 in federal funds for San Diego County to purchase a twin-engine firefighting helicopter. The helicopter is safer for firefighters, allows for firefighting both day and night, and increases the amount of water deployed with each drop.
I secured $2,683,000 to replace the old fire station on Camp Pendleton. The new station includes new living quarters, training facilities, kitchen and dining, vehicle apparatus bays, and more.
I also helped secure a $3,500,000 federal grant to build Oceanside’s new downtown fire station, which opened this year.
My Work to Help Californians After Disaster Strikes
One challenge many California residents are facing is rising homeowners’ insurance rates, and insurance companies canceling coverage altogether, because of the increase in wildfire risks.
To help give Californians peace of mind, I am proud to support the INSURE Act, which would create a federal reinsurance backstop that encourages insurance companies to provide coverage for all types of natural disasters, including fires.
I also led a letter to the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) urging them to ensure comprehensive and transparent data collection to understand and address the impact of climate change and natural disasters on property insurance premiums.
My Work with Our Firefighters
I meet regularly with our firefighters in San Diego and Orange Counties to learn about their critical work and how I can best support them.
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Here’s How You Can Stay Alert and Prepared
I want to share some additional resources you may need in the event of a fire in your area.
Now is the time to review your emergency plans, create an emergency supply kit and stay informed.
Sign up for Alert San Diego, a countywide regional notification system that sends telephone notifications to residents and businesses within San Diego County impacted by, or in danger of being impacted by, an emergency or disaster.
You can also sign up for AlertOC to stay informed of emergencies that may require immediate action.
Visit the SD Fire-Rescue Department’s webpage and download the Ready, Set, Go! guide to develop emergency plans for wildfires. The guide includes checklists for assembling emergency supplies & belongings, planning escape routes & packing emergency items.
Visit the National Weather Service for the latest information on local warnings and weather conditions.
Federal Assistance for Fire Victims
Immediate Disaster Assistance: Families and individuals affected by the Los Angeles wildfires can apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) online here or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specific information for individuals affected by the wildfires and straight-line winds is available here. Additional information regarding local relief is available here through 211 LA.
Immediate Housing Relief: Los Angeles County residents who have been displaced from their homes or forced to evacuate due to the wildfires can apply for temporary housing through an Airbnb and 211 LA partnership here. Local shelter information for Los Angeles County is also available here.
Insurance Relief: Insurance is a state-regulated industry. Thankfully, the California Department of Insurance has taken the following actions to protect individuals affected by wildfires, including in Los Angeles County:
Evacuation Relief: Insurers must reimburse living expenses for policyholders with either renters or homeowners coverage who are under evacuation order. Additional information is available here and here. Residents can also call the California Department of Insurance Hotline for help at 800-927-4357.
Moratorium on Non-Renewals and Cancellations: One-year moratorium on insurance coverage nonrenewals and cancellations for affected areas. Once the perimeter of a wildfire is determined, residents can check whether their ZIP code is under moratorium here.
Contact My Office
If you have questions about my work or need help with a federal agency, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. You can send me an email through my website, call my Oceanside office at (760) 599-5000, or call my Dana Point office at (949) 281-2449. For updates on my work on behalf of our communities, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky at @RepMikeLevin.
Sincerely,
Mike Levin
Member of Congress