Recovering after the Eaton Fire starts with safety and documentation: secure your property, contact your insurer right away and document everything, then work through debris removal, permitting, and choosing a licensed rebuild contractor. Expedited permit programs are available for fire rebuilds. Here’s a step-by-step guide to recovering and rebuilding after the Eaton Fire.
[Updated Nov 2025]
The massive Eaton fire in Pasadena/Altadena region of Los Angeles has left many homeowners facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. If you were impacted by this devastating event, this guide is here to support you as you handle the recovery process. For those who have lost their homes entirely, please accept our heartfelt condolences. We are here to offer guidance on how to rebuild your property and get back on your feet.
If your home sustained partial damage, whether from fire, smoke, or water, this guide provides a detailed roadmap to help you start the recovery process and work toward returning to your home.
GreatBuildz is a free service that matches homeowners with reliable, pre-screened general contractors. We exclusively connect our clients with reputable Los Angeles contractors who have successfully passed our rigorous screening process.
Based in Los Angeles, we’ve witnessed the devastating effect of the Eaton Fire. We stand committed and ready to help our Altadena and Pasadena neighbors with the resources they need to repair or rebuild their home…anyone can feel free to call our Remodeling Advisors at 818.317.3567 to get guidance and support for any questions they have about Eaton fire damage repair, etc.
Find Temporary Housing
If you anticipate being unable to live in your home for an extended period, securing temporary accommodations for you and your family is an important first step. While staying with family or friends may be an option for some, others will need to explore alternative housing solutions such as extended-stay hotels, Airbnb rentals, or apartments.
Here are some resources to help you find temporary housing and rental assistance. Check with your insurance company, as they may provide a list of housing options in the Los Angeles area:
- Airbnb.org and 211 LA Partnership: Airbnb.org, in collaboration with 211 LA, offers free temporary housing for wildfire victims. If you were displaced by the Eaton fire, you can apply through 211 LA by completing an intake form. Eligibility criteria include having been displaced due to the Eaton fire and residing in an evacuation zone.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Homeowners who meet FEMA’s criteria may qualify for financial assistance covering rental expenses, minor home repairs, personal property losses, and other disaster-related needs. Applications can be submitted via FEMA’s official website.
- California Apartment Association (CAA): The CAA offers resources specifically for wildfire victims, including information on rental assistance programs and available housing options. Contact the CAA for more details on how to access emergency support.
- California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD): The HCD provides disaster relief programs to homeowners impacted by wildfires. These initiatives may include grants or low-interest loans to assist with temporary housing costs. Visit the HCD website for more information.
Ensure Safety First
Returning to your home after a wildfire is clearly a priority, but it’s important to prioritize safety before entering your neighborhood or property. Take these steps to ensure the area is safe:
- Official Clearance: Confirm with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) or Cal Fire that evacuation orders have been lifted and it is safe to return to your neighborhood after the LA wildfires.
- Utilities: Check with utility providers such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) or Southern California Edison to ensure power has been restored to your area.
- Gas Leaks: Be alert for the smell of gas or hissing sounds when approaching your property. Inspect around the gas main, water heater, and other gas appliances. If you suspect a gas leak, leave immediately and contact your gas company.
- Electrical Hazards: Before entering, ensure the main power breaker is turned off, especially if there is water damage. This reduces the risk of electric shock while inspecting the property.
- Structural Damage: Avoid entering your home if you notice signs of structural instability, such as leaning walls, sagging roofs, or visible cracks. If in doubt, contact your local building department or hire a structural inspector to assess the property.
- Hazardous Materials: Fire and smoke damage can release toxic substances into the air. Wear protective gear, including a mask and goggles, when inspecting your property to avoid inhaling harmful particles.
Assess the Damage
Before starting any cleanup or repair work, document the condition of your home thoroughly. This step is essential for insurance purposes and can significantly expedite your claims process. Document Everything: Take extensive photos and videos from multiple angles, capturing all visible damage to your property and belongings. Focus on specific areas affected by fire, smoke, or water.
Hire Professionals to Assess the Damage:
Fire and Smoke Damage Experts: These specialists can identify damage that may not be immediately visible, such as smoke infiltration in walls or attics.
Structural Inspectors: These professionals evaluate whether the Eaton fire or water damage has compromised your home’s structural integrity. They will also check critical areas like the attic, foundation, and crawlspace.
Environmental Testing Professionals: Using advanced equipment, these experts test for hazardous materials such as mold, lead, or smoke contaminants.
General Contractors: Contractors can assess the overall condition of your home’s systems, including electrical, plumbing, roofing, and foundation. They will provide an estimate of the repairs needed to make the property livable again.
County Updates about Altadena Restoration Efforts
The County Supervisors office and Altadena Town Council are doing a great job of keep Altadena area residents apprised of the status of clean-up, etc. The County Supervisor, Kathleen Barger holds a weekly meeting with the various departments that is accessible over zoom for all residents and can be also viewed on their youtube channel. The Altadena town council holds monthly meetings regarding fire recovery that are also open to the public.
As of May 2025, The Army Corps of Engineers is making swift progress with the clearing of fire damage debris in Altadena and have already completed over 3300 properties…get our full update of the progress in our guide to rebuilding homes. The LA County Building Department is also in the process of reviewing over 300 home rebuild submittals and have issued permits for 4 homes.
Contact Your Insurance Company & File a Claim
It’s likely that your insurance company will expedite part of your claim shortly after it is filed. This often includes an initial payout for “temporary housing” expenses, as well as potential compensation for damaged or destroyed personal belongings. If your home’s contents were completely lost in the Eaton fire, inquire about how much of your claim can be disbursed upfront to assist with immediate needs.
Be sure to track all expenses related to the fire, including temporary housing costs and other expenditures. These costs might be reimbursable under your policy, so retain all receipts and maintain records of any relevant emails or communications.
For the main claim addressing damage to your home, the process will take longer. Your claims adjuster will need time to assess the extent of the damage and determine the cost of repairs. Settling this portion of your claim may take several months, but patience is essential to ensure you receive a fair settlement. Rushing the process could result in a lower payout.
If your insurance policy documents were destroyed in the LA wildfires, request a copy from your insurance agent and review it thoroughly. Ask your agent to clarify your coverage details and the settlement options available to you. Their expertise can be very helpful as you navigate this process.
Getting Help with Your Insurance Claim
If you encounter challenges while working with your insurance company, there are several resources available to assist you:
- United Policyholders: This nonprofit organization provides support and advocacy for insurance policyholders, offering valuable tools and guidance for navigating claims.
- California Department of Insurance Wildfire Resources: Visit their website for full resources tailored to wildfire victims, including insurance tips and disaster recovery support.
- FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency): Register with FEMA to determine if you qualify for additional financial assistance beyond your insurance coverage.
If you feel like your insurance company’s settlement offer is insufficient, consider negotiating with your claims adjuster. Alternatively, you can hire a Public Adjuster to advocate on your behalf. Public adjusters are experienced professionals who work directly with insurance companies to maximize settlement amounts. Their fees are typically a percentage of your final payout, but their expertise can often result in higher compensation.
New California laws will help: SB 495 requires insurers to pay at least 60% of your personal-property coverage without an itemized list, for disaster survivors. There are also protections for business properties: SB 547 prevents insurers from canceling or refusing renewal for commercial property within or near wildfire-impacted areas for at least a year after a declared disaster.
Don’t Fall for Common Contractor Scams after the Eaton Fire
Unfortunately, disasters like the Eaton fire often attract unscrupulous people posing as reputable contractors to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners. These individuals or their sales representatives might approach you with offers to repair or rebuild your home quickly, claiming you’ll receive “priority” if you hire them immediately. They may pressure you into paying a deposit upfront to “secure your spot”.
It’s important to remain vigilant…DON’T sign anything right away and don’t pay anything immediately. These individuals rely on fear and urgency to compel homeowners to make rash decisions, often disappearing after taking your money. Instead, take your time to research and hire a trustworthy contractor. With over 20,000 licensed contractors in Los Angeles County, there are plenty of qualified professionals available to complete your repairs without resorting to high-pressure tactics.
Selecting a Reputable Fire Repair Contractor
Even though anyone with fire or smoke damage from the Eaton fire is understandably in a hurry to make repairs, it’s essential to exercise caution when choosing a contractor. The last thing you want is to hire an unreliable contractor who adds to your stress. Take the time to meet with several contractors and perform a thorough vetting process to ensure they are reputable.
Follow these key steps when vetting contractors:
- Confirm they have a valid general contractor’s license (B-1 license) with no consumer complaints.
- Verify they carry at least $1 million in liability insurance and an active worker’s compensation policy.
- Research their online reviews to gauge their reputation and reliability.
- Contact references or past clients to learn about their experiences with the contractor.
For a more thorough vetting process, consider using the 10-step vetting process employed by GreatBuildz to find the best contractors in Los Angeles. Alternatively, reach out to GreatBuildz to be connected with three reputable, pre-vetted contractors who can assist with your Eaton fire damage repairs.
Be aware of these red flags:
- Contractors going door-to-door seeking work or using high-pressure sales tactics.
- Offers to “kick back” a portion of the insurance proceeds if you hire them, this is insurance fraud.
- Requests for large upfront deposits to “hold your job.”
- Aggressive sales tactics to get you to sign a contract immediately.
Fire Restoration Services vs. General Contractors
In the aftermath of the Eaton fire, the priority of many homeowners will be to repair the damage caused by fire, smoke, and water. Restoration companies specialize in emergency services designed to mitigate damage and prevent further issues. These professionals are equipped to handle hazardous tasks such as removing and remediating fire- and smoke-damaged areas of your home. Restoration companies usually offer their services on short notice and bring the necessary equipment and expertise to remediate and clean your property.
Once the immediate damage is mitigated, the next step is rebuilding and restoring your home. While some restoration companies offer reconstruction services, it’s generally recommended to hire a licensed general contractor for these significant projects. General contractors are experienced in major construction work, including electrical, plumbing, flooring, cabinetry, and structural framing. They hold the necessary licenses to perform this work and are more likely to deliver a higher-quality outcome, especially for projects exceeding $10,000.
Make Sure Your Insurance Settlement Covers the Contractor’s Estimate
Choosing the right contractor for your Eaton fire repairs is decided by you and not by your insurance company. But it’s essential to obtain estimates from multiple contractors to find the right fit for you. Ideally, your insurance company will offer a settlement sufficient to cover your chosen contractor’s bid. However, there may be instances where the insurance company offers a lower settlement, because they feel the contractor’s estimate is too high or the scope of work is excessive.
If this happens, discuss options with both your insurance company and the contractor to bridge the gap. In some cases, the contractor may be willing to adjust their pricing to align with your settlement amount, helping you avoid out-of-pocket expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first steps after a fire?
Make sure everyone is safe, then contact your insurance company right away to open a claim and ask about additional living expenses. Document all damage with photos and an inventory before cleanup, secure the property, and keep records of every expense. These steps protect your claim and your recovery.
How long does it take to rebuild after a fire?
Rebuilding typically takes 12 to 24 months from insurance and design through permitting and construction. Expedited permit programs and pre-approved plans for Eaton Fire rebuilds can shorten the timeline. Starting early and keeping your plans complete helps you rebuild faster.
How much does it cost to rebuild after the Eaton Fire?
Rebuilding typically costs $400 to $500 per square foot, so a 1,500 square foot home runs roughly $600,000 to $750,000, with complex or high-end rebuilds costing more. Your insurance dwelling coverage largely determines your out-of-pocket cost.
Here at GreatBuildz, we’re ready to support our Altadena and Pasadena neighbors with the resources they need to repair or rebuild their home…feel free to call our Remodeling Advisors at 818.317.3567 to get guidance and support for any Eaton fire repair or issue.
