The recent wildfires in Los Angeles, California and surrounding areas highlight the urgent need for cities to implement comprehensive strategies for wildfire mitigation, response and recovery. The wildfires spread with unprecedented speed and intensity, driven by high winds and severe drought conditions that created an increased amount of fuel to feed the flames. The size and scope of the devastation have further strained essential resources — including water supplies needed to combat the fires — leaving local governments grappling with significant challenges. As wildfires become more frequent and destructive due to prolonged droughts and extreme weather, read on for essential resources to help local governments prioritize not only immediate response efforts but also long-term recovery and resilience planning.
Coordinating Emergency Services
Elected officials coordinating emergency services during a disaster must navigate the complexities of aligning efforts across local, state and federal agencies to ensure an effective and unified response. Establishing clear communication channels — often through the city or county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) — is crucial for disseminating information and coordinating actions. Familiarity with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS) is essential for integrating seamlessly with state and federal partners.
Officials must prioritize needs such as search and rescue, medical assistance, sheltering and infrastructure repair. Additionally, they must effectively coordinate the deployment of resources provided by state and federal agencies, ensuring these resources address the most pressing challenges.
City Emergency Management Operations
Some of the larger cities like Los Angeles maintain dedicated emergency management staff within an Office of Emergency Management or similar agency to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. These professionals develop emergency plans, conduct risk assessments and coordinate training exercises. During crises, they activate the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to centralize decision-making, allocate resources and liaise with state and federal agencies like FEMA.
Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)
Local governments should consider leveraging mutual aid agreements with neighboring jurisdictions to strengthen firefighting and medical response capabilities. Mutual aid is a vital mechanism for disaster response and recovery, allowing communities to quickly mobilize qualified personnel and access specialized expertise and resources. These agreements are often facilitated through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a legally binding framework among all U.S. states and territories. EMAC streamlines the sharing of personnel, equipment and services during governor-declared emergencies, supported by a robust governance structure and thorough pre-event preparation.
State Emergency Management Office
Collaboration with the state emergency management office is vital for a coordinated and effective wildfire response and recovery. Aligning local emergency plans with state-level strategies enhances resource efficiency and prevents duplication. Partnering with the state office also grants access to disaster assistance programs, grants and resources for debris removal, infrastructure repair and long-term recovery projects.
Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Regional Office
Establishing strong communication with the FEMA regional office is essential for effective disaster management. Regional offices serve as direct links to federal resources providing technical assistance, guidance and funding support. Close coordination helps streamline the application process for disaster declarations and grant programs, ensuring timely access to Individual and Public Assistance funds. FEMA regional offices offer expert advice on disaster planning, enabling local governments to integrate federal practices into their emergency response frameworks. Regular engagement with FEMA officials — through workshops, joint exercise and ongoing communication — enhances preparedness and facilitates a smoother response during wildfire emergencies.
Damage Assessment and Federal Assistance
To qualify for federal disaster declarations and funding, it is crucial to conduct comprehensive damage assessments after a wildfire. This process involves assembling multidisciplinary teams to evaluate damage to infrastructure, homes and natural resources. Drones, GIS mapping and geotagged photos are used to thoroughly document destruction. Local governments must also assess economic impacts, gather feedback from affected residents and compile detailed reports that highlight the scale of destruction. A clear, data-driven case can help communities secure federal assistance for rebuilding while also providing valuable insights to enhance future disaster preparedness and resilience strategies.
Accessing Federal Resources
Local governments, businesses and individuals impacted by disasters can access a wide range of federal programs designed to support recovery, mitigation and preparedness. These programs offer financial aid, technical assistance and other resources to address the impacts of natural disasters and public health emergencies.
Grants for Infrastructure Repair, Low-Interest Loans, Agricultural Recovery and Public Health Initiatives
- Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA)
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Specialized Resources
- Healthcare: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Economic Recovery: Economic Development Administration (EDA)
- Transportation Recovery: Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Sustainability and Resilience: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Emergency Connectivity: Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Private and Non-Profit Resources
Private and nonprofit organizations are vital partners in disaster recovery, offering unique resources, expertise and capabilities that complement public sector efforts. These organizations often provide critical services, including emergency housing, infrastructure repair and logistical support. Nonprofits play a key role in delivering humanitarian aid (food, water and medical care) while private companies contribute through technology (solutions, construction and telecommunications) to restore basic services quickly. Collaboration between these entities and local government agencies strengthens resilience and accelerates recovery efforts, helping communities rebuild and return to normalcy more efficiently after a disaster.
- The American Red Cross provides local governments essential services such as emergency shelters, food supplies and first aid during crises. They also offer training and resources to enhance local governments’ preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
- Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization, built to serve global communities before, during and after disasters and crises.
- Feeding America is the largest charity working to end hunger in the United States. During disaster relief, Feeding America’s partners allow member food banks to provide assistance and supplies to affected areas in the immediate aftermath and throughout recovery.
- All Hands Volunteers and Happy Hearts is an organization committed to effectively and efficiently addressing the immediate and long-term needs of global communities impacted by disasters.
NLC Strategic Partner Resources
These private organizations collaborate with NLC to support local government and offer the following resources to support disaster recovery:
- Pallet provides a rapidly deployable, private and reusable interim shelter solution for people affected by natural disasters. The design’s versatility serves vulnerable community members, first responders and those who have lost their homes alike — filling the unoccupied yet critical space between traditional congregate emergency shelter and the lengthy process of rebuilding permanent housing.
- GoFundMe has created a fund to provide direct relief to people in need after a wildfire. Your tax-deductible donation will ensure this fund can support as many people as possible as soon as a disaster strikes.
- AT&T created FirstNet, the only nationwide, high-speed, wireless communications network built with and for first responders and those who support emergency operations. More than 28,500 first responders are subscribed to this service created through bipartisan action by U.S. Congress.
“The devastation and loss spurred by the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area is absolutely heartbreaking. At the National League of Cities, our hearts are with the residents of all the communities impacted, with the first responders working hard to respond, and with the local leaders in the region as they guide their cities and towns through this tragedy. The disastrous impacts of these wildfires are a strong reminder of the role the federal government plays in delivering resources for all communities in the wake of increasing extreme weather events.”
– Statement from NLC President and Mayor Steve Patterson, Athens, OH
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About the Author
NLC President Mayor Steve Patterson Releases Statement on Wildfires in Los Angeles Area
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