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Los Angeles County Fire Season 2025: Insurance and Preparedness Tips

Wildfire clouds hovering over the mountains near Los Angeles.

October 9, 2025

by Chris Faber Public Adjusters

Los Angeles County fire season typically peaks from September through November, when hot, dry conditions and Santa Ana winds drive wildfire risk. Homeowners should review insurance coverage, document their homes, and know how to file a fire damage claim if needed.

Fire Season in Los Angeles County

Wildfires are part of life in Los Angeles County. From the hills of Malibu to the foothills of Pasadena, the region faces high fire risk every fall. September and October are especially dangerous as Santa Ana winds sweep through Southern California, spreading flames quickly across dry vegetation.

Even if your home is never touched by flames, smoke and ash damage can leave lasting impacts, often requiring an insurance claim.

Why LA County Is Especially Vulnerable

  • Population density: Millions of people live near fire-prone areas.
  • Wildland–urban interface: Homes are built right up against brush zones.
  • Seasonal winds: Santa Ana winds can push embers for miles.
  • Recent history: Fires like the Woolsey Fire (2018), Getty Fire (2019), the 2024 Mountain Fire in Camarillo, and multiple January 2025 brush fires — including the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire in Altadena, with county updates here — show how quickly conditions can turn dangerous across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
  • For homeowners, fire season means preparation is not optional — it’s essential.

    How Homeowners Can Prepare

    1. Review Your Insurance Policy

  • Confirm your coverage is in force and review your policy limits.
  • If you’re on the California FAIR Plan, check whether you have a supplemental wrap-around policy.
  • If you’ve added an ADU, made renovations, or changed occupancy, discuss it with your agent.
  • 2. Create a Home Inventory

  • Take photos and video of every room.
  • Store records in the cloud or offsite.
  • See our guide on documenting your home for California insurance claims.
  • 3. Defensible Space & Fire Safety

  • Clear brush and vegetation within 100 feet of your home (Cal Fire Defensible Space Guide).
  • Clean gutters and roofs of debris.
  • Check vents and attics for ember-resistant covers.
  • 4. Stay Aware of Red Flag Warnings

  • Sign up for alerts from Ready LA County and Cal Fire.
  • Know evacuation routes ahead of time (LA County Fire Department wildfire preparedness).
  • Filing a Claim After a Fire

    If your home suffers fire, smoke, or water damage during fire season, filing a claim quickly is critical. But the process can be overwhelming. A public adjuster can:

  • Document all damage (including hidden smoke and ash impact)
  • Review your policy for maximum coverage
  • Prepare and negotiate the claim with your insurer
  • Prevent underpayment or wrongful denial
  • Chris and Jo Faber have handled thousands of fire damage claims in Los Angeles County and across California.

    If you’re worried about fire season in Los Angeles, see how our licensed public adjusters can help protect your rights and guide you through the claims process.

    FAQs

    Q: When is fire season in Los Angeles County?

    A: Peak fire season runs from August through November, though risk exists year-round.

    Q: Does homeowners insurance cover wildfire smoke damage in LA?

    A: Most standard policies do, but FAIR Plan policies may limit coverage. Always review your policy before fire season.

    Q: What should I do first if my home is damaged?

    A: Ensure safety, notify your insurer, and consider hiring a public adjuster to handle the claim.

    Q: Can I reopen a claim if I find more damage later?

    A: Yes. Supplemental claims can be filed. See our guide on reopening insurance claims in California.

    Chris and Jo’s Commitment to Los Angeles Homeowners

    With more than 50 years of combined experience, Chris and Jo Faber have stood with families across Los Angeles County after some of California’s worst fires. They know how to navigate insurers, fight for fair settlements, and support policyholders when it matters most.

    Los Angeles fire season brings uncertainty every year, but you don’t have to face it alone.
    Chris and Jo are here to help protect your home and your peace of mind. Contact us today for a free claim review.

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