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Today: February 15, 2025
Today: February 15, 2025

Executive order by Newsom aims to support communities hit by wildfires

Executive order by Newsom aims to support communities hit by wildfiresPhoto by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images
January 28, 2025
Pooja Mamnoor - LA Post

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to enhance public safety measures in Los Angeles communities devastated by recent firestorms. Evacuation orders are beginning to be lifted in affected areas.

The order directs the California Highway Patrol and Office of Emergency Services to assist local law enforcement in maintaining security and enforcing state and local laws in the hardest-hit regions. The measure aims to prevent crimes of opportunity and unauthorized access as residents return to assess damage to their properties.

“As impacted families begin to see first-hand the devastation these firestorms caused, we are proud to continue supporting our local law enforcement partners to ensure the public safety of the entire community,” Newsom said.

L.A. County Sheriff Robert G. Luna expressed gratitude for the state’s involvement, noting the continued presence of the National Guard and California Highway Patrol in the disaster zone.

“As the aftermath of the devastating wildfire continues to impact our communities, our primary focus remains the safety and security of our residents,” Luna said. “We are grateful for the collaboration and close partnership with the Governor’s Office to ensure that state resources, including the National Guard and California Highway Patrol, stay in the area to assist us with this disaster.” 

Newsom's office also unveiled a comprehensive recovery plan that includes waiving California Environmental Quality Act and Coastal Act permitting requirements to expedite rebuilding efforts. The plan encompasses measures to fast-track temporary housing through streamlined accessory dwelling unit construction and mobile home fee suspensions.

Additional components of the recovery initiative include accelerated debris removal, price gouging protections, and safeguards against real estate speculation. Newsom has proposed allocating at least $2.5 billion for emergency response and recovery efforts.

To assist affected residents, the state has implemented tax relief measures, including postponing the individual tax filing deadline to Oct. 15 and extending the sales and use tax filing deadline to April 30 for L.A. County. Property tax payment penalties will be suspended for one year.

L.A. Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledged the coordination with state agencies, stating, “We appreciate the solid partnership that we have with the California Highway Patrol and are grateful for their assistance throughout this fire emergency.”

Residents affected by the California wildfires can seek disaster assistance through multiple channels, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s online portal at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Support services are available in more than 40 languages.


The state has established a centralized information hub at CA.gov/LAfires, where residents can access resources from local, state, and federal government agencies.

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