Wildfire Recovery Hub

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To Our CALBO Community: Stay Safe and Stay Strong

Dear CALBO Community,

We join the world in watching the devasting wildfires ripping through so many vibrant southern California communities – and we are heartbroken.  This message will hit some members closer than others but know that our community sees you.  

As a profession, we are known for our resilience and ability to respond in times of crisis – but this one hits us all particularly hard.  Many of these impacted communities are not just our workplaces but our homes.

At this time, we remind our colleagues to stay safe and mindful of evacuation orders and directives.  We give thanks to the first responders, relief workers, and emergency personnel who are courageously answering the call to serve.  As the fires extinguish, we as CALBO will be here – ready to share resources, skills, and support through the rebuilding efforts.

Stay strong, CALBO Community and know that we are here. 

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Up-to-Date Wildfire Information and Recovery Resources

Stay informed on current wildfire activity and recovery efforts with these reliable resources. We’ve gathered trusted links to provide the latest updates, relief information, and support for affected communities.

Statewide Resources 

Local Resources 

Cal OES Resources 

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Is Your Department Prepared?
Stay Updated within the Safety Assessment Program

California Building Departments are not immune to the ever-changing landscape of emergency preparedness.  As we’ve seen this past week, emergencies come without warning, but what remains consistent is the need for building department staff to be prepared by the Cal OES Safety Assessment Program (SAP).

Please review the following SAP Evaluator and Coordinator resources and updated information.

Need to renew your SAP Evaluator status?
If your SAP Evaluator card has expired within the last 12 months or is about to expire, you are eligible to take a new, FREE online refresher training.  After that time, your information will be deleted from the SAP database, and you will need to re-enter the program with an instructor led training.  Click here for more information.

New to SAP?
Please check the Cal OES calendar for upcoming in-person or virtual SAP trainings to become an Evaluator and/or Coordinator. Click here for more information.

Need to check your SAP status?
If you recently attended a SAP Evaluator and Coordinator training and did not receive your card or approval within the program, please email SAP@CalOES.ca.gov to check on your status. 

Need to update your SAP Evaluator or Coordinator contact information?
Please review the new online Veoci Log-in Guide published by CalOES to update your SAP information.  If you did not get the transition email to create a Veoci account, please email SAP@CalOES.gov.

Need additional SAP supporting documents, forms or additional information/resources. 
Visit the following Safety Assessment Program page for Evaluator and Coordinator resources.

Have additional SAP questions?
For additional questions about this program, please email SAP@CalOES.ca.gov.

We give thanks to the first responders, relief workers, and emergency personnel who are courageously answering the call to serve. Stay strong, CALBO Community and know that we are here to assist during time of need.

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Current Executive Orders Issued by Federal, State, and Local Agencies to Expedite Firestorm Recovery

Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Further Prepare for Future Urban Firestorms

February 6, 2025 – Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order aimed at providing temporary housing solutions for individuals displaced by recent disasters. This order underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to swiftly address housing shortages caused by the emergency, providing critical relief to those impacted by the firestorms. 

Key Actions in the Executive Order:

  • Suspension of Zoning Regulations: Temporarily waives certain zoning regulations to speed up the construction of temporary housing units.
     
  • Streamlined Permitting: Directs state agencies to prioritize and expedite permits for housing and shelters.
     
  • Collaboration with Local Governments: Expands resources and support to local jurisdictions to quickly implement housing solutions.
     

The order will help ensure that displaced individuals have access to shelter while long-term recovery efforts continue.

For more information, visit: Governor Newsom signs executive order to further prepare for future urban firestorms, stepping up already nation-leading strategies.

Review the full Executive Order here: EO N-18-25 Urban Conflagration

 

Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Ensure Housing for Displaced Individuals

January 17, 2025 – Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order aimed at providing temporary housing solutions for individuals displaced by recent disasters. This order underscores the state’s ongoing commitment to swiftly address housing shortages caused by the emergency, providing critical relief to those impacted by the firestorms.

Key Actions in the Executive Order:

  • Suspension of Zoning Regulations: Temporarily waives certain zoning regulations to speed up the construction of temporary housing units.
     
  • Streamlined Permitting: Directs state agencies to prioritize and expedite permits for housing and shelters.
     
  • Collaboration with Local Governments: Expands resources and support to local jurisdictions to quickly implement housing solutions.
     

The order will help ensure that displaced individuals have access to shelter while long-term recovery efforts continue.

For more information, visit: Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Jumpstart Firestorm Cleanup.

Review the full Executive Order here: EO N-11-15-Housing-Displaced-Individuals

Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Accelerate Cleanup of Firestorm-Damaged Communities

January 15, 2025 - Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order to expedite the cleanup and recovery of areas impacted by recent devastating firestorms across California. This directive demonstrates the state’s commitment to providing immediate support to affected communities, ensuring a faster and more efficient rebuilding process.

The executive order includes the following key actions:

  • Expedited Debris Removal: Temporarily waives permitting and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements to streamline the safe and rapid removal of debris and hazardous materials from fire-affected properties.
     
  • Regulatory Streamlining: Directs state agencies to identify additional regulations, such as environmental and construction standards, that can be temporarily adjusted to facilitate recovery without compromising safety or environmental integrity.
     
  • Enhanced Resource Allocation: Mobilizes new and existing state resources, including personnel and specialized equipment, to support local cleanup efforts and accelerate the recovery timeline.
     
  • Price Gouging Protections: Extends protections against price gouging on essential goods and services needed for recovery—such as waste removal, construction supplies, and temporary housing solutions—through March 31, 2026.
     
  • Legislative Collaboration: Pledges to work with state lawmakers to propose statutory changes that promote resilience, fire safety, and simplified recovery efforts for future disasters.
     

This executive order demonstrates California’s dedication to addressing immediate recovery needs while strengthening long-term wildfire resilience.

For more information, visit: Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Jumpstart Firestorm Cleanup.

Review the full Executive Order here: EO N-8-25 Cleanup Final Signed PDF.

Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Help Los Angeles Rebuild

January 12, 2025 – Review the following Executive Order signed by Governor Gavin Newsom to suspend permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act to allow victims of the recent fires to restore their homes and businesses faster.

The executive order issued by Governor Newsom will:

  • Suspend CEQA review and California Coastal Act permitting for reconstruction of properties substantially damaged or destroyed in recent Southern California wildfires.
     
  • Direct state agencies to identify additional permitting requirements, including provisions of the Building Code, that can safely be suspended or streamlined to accelerate rebuilding and make it more affordable.
     
  • Extend protections against price gouging on building materials, storage services, construction, and other essential goods and services to January 7, 2026, in Los Angeles County.
     
  • Commit to working with the Legislature to identify statutory changes that can help expedite rebuilding while enhancing wildfire resilience and safety.

For detailed information, please visit: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/01/12/governor-newsom-signs-executive-order-to-help-los-angeles-rebuild-faster-and-stronger/

Review the Executive Order: https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/EO-N-4-25-Rebuilding-Final-signed.pdf

Mayor Bass Issues Executive Order to Accelerate Wildfire Recovery and Rebuilding Efforts in Los Angeles

January 13, 2025 – In response to the devastating wildfires that have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass has issued an executive order to expedite rebuilding efforts.

The executive order issued by Mayor Bass includes:

  • Coordinating Debris Removal: Establishing a Debris Removal Task Force to develop a streamlined program for clearing debris from affected areas, in collaboration with state and federal agencies.   
     
  • Expediting Rebuilding Permits: Creating a one-stop shop to swiftly issue permits in all impacted areas, directing city departments to expedite all building permit reviews and inspections, bypassing state CEQA discretionary reviews, and allowing rebuilding “like for like” by waiving city discretionary review processes.
     
  • Accelerating Housing Availability: Directing the Department of Building and Safety to expedite approvals, known as temporary certificates of occupancy, for 1,400 units of housing currently in the pipeline across the city. 
     
  • Securing Additional Regulatory Relief and Resources: Instructing all city departments to report back within a week with a list of additional relief needed from state and federal regulations and requirements, as well as state and federal funding necessary for recovery.

Read the Executive Order: https://mayor.lacity.gov/news/mayor-bass-issues-sweeping-executive-order-clear-way-angelenos-rebuild-their-homes-fast

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Disaster Preparedness Resources from the CALBO Emergency Preparedness Committee

The CALBO Emergency Preparedness Committee has compiled essential resources to support building, planning, and engineering departments in California before, during, and after a disaster. These resources, organized into categories like MOUs with CalOES, building stabilization guidelines, and SAP checklists, are designed to assist departments in effective disaster response and recovery.

Click here for the resource.

he page also features sample documents, like residential permit checklists and fire damage procedures, which can be tailored for local recovery efforts. As new information becomes available, these resources will be updated to continue supporting California’s building professionals. For more details on the committee, click here. 

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Are You an SAP Disaster Service Worker and Volunteer? Update Your Information Now!

Cal OES has created a new digital SAP platform called Veoci that is now MANDATORY for all SAP disaster services workers and volunteers. 

Step #1: Visit https://p.veoci.com/SAPMembers.

– Veoci SAP Membership Self-Service Portal accounts have been created for all SAP disaster services workers and volunteers.

Step #2: Log in with your email and password.

– Your SAP password can be resent by clicking “Forgot Password”. 

– Directions to reset your password will be set to the email address that you used when you applied for your most recent SAP card. 

Step #3: Update your contact information and submit a new SAP ID headshot.

Step #4: If needed, please email SAP@caloes.ca.gov for assistance and questions.

Cal OES appreciates your patience and welcomes your constructive feedback!

Soon, the Veoci platform for the Safety Assessment Program will offer: Self-Paced Learning, Utilize ATC 20 Digital Forms, and Management of Cal OES SAP Deployments.

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NEMA Guide: Evaluating Fire-Damaged Electrical Equipment

When electrical equipment is exposed to heat, fire residue, or firefighting activities, it can become hazardous if re-energized without proper evaluation. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) guide provides critical insights for assessing such damage and determining next steps.

Click Here for the Guide

This guide may be especially useful for evaluating damage in wildfire-stricken areas of Los Angeles. Based on past wildfire experiences in Northern California (e.g., Paradise Camp Fire, Santa Rosa, and Napa fires), most structures are often incinerated beyond salvage, but some may still be recoverable. The NEMA publication offers guidance for these cases.

Thorough evaluation, consulting manufacturers, and adhering to safety protocols are essential for ensuring safe operation. For detailed tables, specific equipment guidance or any additional questions, please visit NEMA’s website.