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County’s Wildfire Efforts Move From Response To Recovery

By William Cortez
Community Writer
09/26/2024 at 08:24 AM

The Bridge Fire and Line Fire combined have consumed about 94,000 acres in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, destroying many homes in Wrightwood as well as properties in Running Springs. Firefighters from throughout San Bernardino County and the state have achieved significant containment against both wildfires, allowing evacuated residents to return to their homes.

San Bernardino County has entered the recovery phase of the dual emergency with plans to open Local Assistance Centers (LACs) jointly with Los Angeles County to assist residents impacted by the fires. A LAC serves as a one-stop-shop where individuals, families and business owners can obtain information on services and assistance available from local and state agencies as well as non-profit organizations as they begin their path to recovery. 

“We are pleased to team up with Los Angeles County to offer needed support to our residents who have suffered unimaginable loss from the Bridge and Line fires,” said San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “The resiliency of our residents and the heroic efforts of firefighters from San Bernardino County and throughout the state have been an inspiration to us all. Because of their courage we can now enter the recovery phase of these disasters.”

“Mobilizing recovery support for Bridge Fire survivors quickly is critical,” said Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “My heart goes out to everyone that is struggling with loss. It can feel overwhelming and it’s common to not know where to start. I encourage anyone who has been impacted by the Bridge Fire to visit our LA County Local Assistance Center. You’ll find helpful recovery resources, including supports for debris removal and rebuilding permits. Recovery is a long road, but our County stands tall and ready to help.” 

Services available at each LAC location will include information on and assistance with processing insurance claims, proper property cleanup strategies, assistance replacing vital records, navigating the repair and rebuilding process and other resources for community recovery. Residents should bring appropriate documentation relevant to the impact on their property, if available.

The LAC locations and hours of operation are:

The Way World Outreach, Hallmark Campus
Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
4680 Hallmark Pkwy.
San Bernardino, CA 92407

Fairplex
Friday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
1101 W. McKinley Ave.
Expo Hall 8 – Enter Gate 3
Pomona, CA 91768

For more information and for additional recovery resources, San Bernardino County Residents may visit Prepare.SBCounty.gov. and Los Angeles County residents may visit Recovery.LACounty.gov/BridgeFire. Residents may also call 211 for information and other referral services. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week.