A free resource for fire survivors

You've lost a lot. Here are some wildfire resources.

Clear, plain-language help for the days and months after a wildfire — what to do first, how to find financial assistance, and how to protect your rights while you rebuild.

Free to use · No account needed · No pressure

★ Free tool · No sign-up

The hardest part, made easier: list what you lost.

Our free Home Inventory Builder walks you through your home one room at a time, suggests common items and prices, and creates a ready-to-download list for your insurance claim. No ads, no payment, no catch.

Build your inventory — free
100% free · Nothing is collected or stored · Download to keep
Kitchen$4,250
Refrigerator$1,400
Stove / Oven$900
Dishwasher$700
Small appliances$500
Running total$62,800

You're not the first to walk this road — and you're not walking it alone.

The systems for recovery exist, but they're hard to navigate when you've just lost everything. This site exists to make them clearer.

One placeEmergency, financial, rebuilding, and legal resources gathered together
Plain languageNo jargon, no forms to fill out, no catch
Always freeProvided as a public service to fire survivors

Common questions

What survivors ask most

What should I do in the first days after a wildfire?
Focus on safety and documentation. Find shelter and emergency aid, register your address as affected with local authorities and FEMA, and photograph everything before any cleanup or debris removal begins. Keep receipts for every expense tied to your displacement — hotels, meals, and replacement essentials are often recoverable later.
How do I apply for FEMA or disaster assistance?
You can register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone once a federal disaster is declared for your area. Have your address, insurance information, and a record of your losses ready. FEMA aid can help with temporary housing and essential needs, but it usually doesn't cover your full losses — which is why insurance and other avenues matter too.
Can I get help even if I didn't have insurance?
Yes. Many recovery programs, including federal and state assistance, are available regardless of insurance status. And if a utility's equipment caused the fire, your right to pursue compensation from that company does not depend on having had a policy.
I already received an insurance payout — is it too late to do anything else?
Often, no. Accepting an insurance payment does not automatically waive your right to pursue a responsible utility for losses your policy didn't fully cover. There are important rules about how the two interact, so it's worth speaking with someone before assuming your options are closed.
How do I know if a utility was responsible for my fire?
Investigations by CAL FIRE or federal authorities often identify a fire's cause, and many major California wildfires have been traced to power-line failures and utility equipment. If your fire is linked to a utility, survivors in the affected area may have a claim. A free case review can help you understand whether that applies to you.