Protect your health and safety
2025 Los Angeles Fires

Learn how to protect your health and stay safe after a wildfire.

Air safety

Understand air quality and how to protect yourself from toxins.

Outdoor air quality

Now that the fires are out, air quality has improved. But you can check the air quality index (AQI) from South Coast Air Quality Monitoring District.

See how air quality is monitored in your area.

Indoor air quality

There may be toxins still in your home from smoke and ash. Learn how to stay safe around ash, dust, and debris.

Water safety

The fires contaminated some water systems. Find the latest information on water safety from your water provider. Check your water bill to find your provider. If you're a renter, ask your landlord.

If your water provider sent a notice, your water may not be safe to use, drink, or boil. If you got a notice like that, use bottled water for:

• Drinking
• Baby formula
• Brushing teeth
• Washing dishes
• Making ice
• Preparing food
• Feeding pets

If your water provider lifted the water notice in your area, you can use tap water again. Flush your water pipes to clear the contaminated water from your home. Keep in mind that home water testing kits aren’t reliable.

Also, check for beach water quality advisories. Rain can wash toxins from the fires into the ocean.

Hazardous waste

The EPA has removed household hazardous waste from burned properties.

They removed toxic and explosive materials they could see. This includes things like paints, batteries, and propane tanks. This service was automatic and there's no cost to you.

If you still see hazardous waste after the EPA cleared your home, leave it alone. It is toxic and could spark more fires. If you hear a popping or hissing noise or see smoke, leave the area immediately and call 911.

If you are a worker at a fire cleanup site, find out how to stay safe while you work.

Learn more about cleanup and debris removal.

Ash, dust, and debris

Protect yourself from ash, dust, and debris. They may contain toxic and cancer-causing chemicals like asbestos, arsenic, and lead. Limit contact with these materials.

Some groups are more sensitive to these materials. They should stay away from debris and the cleanup. They include:

• People with heart or lung disease (like asthma)
• Older adults
• Pregnant women
• Children
• Pets

If you can see ash and smell smoke, you need to clean your home. No laboratory test can determine if your property is safe.

Keep ash from spreading by wet mopping. Put debris and ash in a plastic trash bag and throw them away with your regular trash. If ash gets on your skin, wash with warm water and soap as soon as possible. Stay safe by wearing:

• N-100 or P-100 respirator
• Rubber gloves
• Booties
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Long pants
• Socks and shoes
• Safety goggles (not glasses)

N95 masks cannot protect you from asbestos. Learn more about the respirators that can protect you. You can get personal protective equipment at a Disaster Recovery Center.

Learn more about dealing with dust and debris when returning home.

Medical help

Get the medicine you need through the federal Emergency Prescription Assistance Program. This program helps people without insurance replace prescriptions or medical equipment.

Get help in person at a Disaster Recovery Center. Nurses can connect you with referrals and access to medications.

If you need health insurance, you may be able to get Medi-Cal.

Mental health support

Navigating disaster recovery is stressful and overwhelming. Get mental and emotional support for yourself and your loved ones.

Connect to free confidential emotional support via call, text or, chat

Connect to a counselor for free, compassionate emotional support

Connect to a counselor for free, compassionate emotional support