Los Angeles County has distributed $19.1 million in wildfire relief funds to thousands of workers and businesses devastated by recent fires that destroyed 16,000 structures and claimed 30 lives.
At a Glance
- LA County has allocated $19.1 million in relief funds to support communities affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires
- The funding includes $4.62 million for 2,309 workers and $14.52 million for 1,372 small businesses and nonprofits
- Eligible households can receive up to $18,000 based on need, while workers may qualify for up to $2,000 in relief
- 821 businesses in the fire zones were completely destroyed, many serving communities for over 10 years
- The relief effort includes dedicated funding for the arts sector, supporting 283 creative workers
Substantial Relief Package Details
Los Angeles County’s Department of Economic Opportunity has taken decisive action to address the devastation caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires. The $19.1 million relief package represents a comprehensive approach to economic recovery, with funds specifically earmarked for households, workers, and businesses. FireAid contributed $8 million in grants that will be distributed through three primary programs: $2.5 million for household relief, $2.5 million for worker assistance, and $2 million for small business recovery.
The household relief program offers substantial support, with eligible families able to receive up to $18,000 based on their specific needs and vulnerability factors. Applications for this program opened February 26 and will remain available until March 12, 2025. Workers who lost income due to the fires can apply for up to $2,000 in assistance, while small businesses may qualify for grants ranging from $2,000 to $25,000. Both worker and business relief applications must be submitted by March 2, 2025.
Widespread Impact on Local Economy
The wildfires’ devastation has been staggering, with 821 businesses and nonprofits completely destroyed in the fire zones. Many of these were longstanding operations that had served their communities for more than a decade. The county’s response reflects the scale of this disaster, with 14,477 completed applications for assistance processed thus far. Besides the primary economic impact, the fires significantly affected LA County’s creative sector, prompting FireAid to allocate an additional $1 million to the County Department of Arts & Culture’s wildfire recovery resources.
“Los Angeles County is deeply grateful to FireAid and everyone who supported the January 30 benefit concert—residents, nonprofits, and all who stepped up to help. Your generosity and compassion remind our impacted communities that they’re not alone—we’re in this together, and we’ve got their backs as they recover and rebuild,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Chair of the Board of Supervisors
The arts and creative industries, a significant economic driver in Los Angeles County, received special attention in the relief efforts. The funding has so far supported 283 creative workers across various fields including film, television, music, and writing. This targeted approach acknowledges the unique economic contribution of these sectors to the region’s identity and financial health, ensuring the cultural fabric of affected communities can be preserved alongside physical rebuilding efforts.
Public-Private Partnership for Recovery
The wildfire relief initiative represents a successful collaboration between government agencies and private organizations. The county’s economic opportunity department initially contributed $1 million on February 6 to launch the relief fund collection, which was subsequently bolstered by private donations and benefit events. The January 30 benefit concert played a crucial role in raising funds and awareness for the recovery efforts, demonstrating how community mobilization can effectively supplement government resources.
“We appreciate this incredibly generous contribution from FireAid and look forward to putting it to good use directly supporting those impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires”, said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath
As cleanup and rebuilding efforts continue across the affected areas, this financial assistance provides critical stability for residents and businesses attempting to recover from catastrophic losses. The coordinated response between public and private sectors demonstrates an effective model for disaster recovery that balances immediate relief with longer-term economic sustainability. County officials have emphasized that these relief efforts are ongoing, with additional funds potentially becoming available through continued fundraising and resource allocation.
