California’s January 2025 wildfire response waived vital-record fees and expanded WIC support
On January 27, 2025, the California Department of Public Health announced free replacement of fire-lost vital records, expanded on-site services and guidance for WIC participants who lost cards or food or were displaced.
Period covered: 2025-01-27 announcement
This report describes the dated record. For services available now, visit local providers.
Free replacement for fire-lost vital records
The California Department of Public Health announced January 27, 2025, that it would waive fees to replace birth, death, marriage and marriage-dissolution certificates lost by an individual or family because of the Southern California fires. CDPH also said it was expanding on-site services at Disaster Recovery Centers and Local Assistance Centers across the region. [1]
The department said replacement requests could be processed in as little as two to three days. That was the fastest stated timeframe, not a guaranteed turnaround for every request. [1]
CDPH’s announcement covered distinct needs. WIC guidance applied to participants; it did not establish eligibility for every displaced family.
LACEHH original graphic · Sources: California Department of Public Health.
WIC guidance for participants affected by the fires
CDPH said WIC participants who lost their WIC card or WIC foods should contact their local WIC office. Displaced WIC families staying away from their usual office or grocer could use the program’s location finder to locate a nearby office or participating grocer. [1]
The announcement addressed existing WIC participants affected by lost cards, food or displacement. It did not announce that every family affected by the fires qualified for WIC or that food benefits were available to everyone. [1]
Care facilities coordinated transfers and capacity
CDPH reported that more than 130 long-term-care residents had been transferred to safety. The department was working with 120 facilities across the region to assess additional capacity and other needs, and had issued blanket approval for facilities in Los Angeles and Ventura counties to add licensed bed capacity and services, including beds in areas not traditionally used as patient rooms. [1]
The department also described coordination with local, state and federal partners to assess and address wildfire-related soil, air and water risks and debris handling. It said it had activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and submitted requests for protective equipment and health staffing. [1]
Sources & further reading
- State Expands Support for Californians Impacted by Southern California WildfiresCalifornia Department of Public Health · 2025-01-27
Spotted something we should look at? Suggest a correction.