My residence was destroyed during the wildfires. Do I need to still pay the property taxes that are due in early December and April?

Generally, yes, but if the total value of the damage to your property exceeds $10,000, you may be eligible for immediate relief based on the loss in value caused by the wildfires. Such relief would provide you with an immediate reduction in property taxes, including possible refunds of property taxes already paid.

Further, owners of real property and manufactured homes may be able to defer, without penalty or interest, payment of the next property tax installment due. (Tax deferral is not available if you pay your property taxes through an impound account.) Applications for deferral should be filed with the county assessor along with, or in addition to, the applications for reduced assessments.

In addition, under certain conditions, taxpayers may be eligible to have the taxable values of their properties in their pre-damaged state transferred to comparable replacement properties. In this way, a taxpayer whose home has been damaged or destroyed can acquire or build a new home without incurring increased property taxes that would otherwise occur under Proposition 13.

For applications and further information, you should contact your county assessor’s office:

Fortunately, my residence was not completely destroyed by the wildfires, although it was damaged and some outbuildings (a garage, shed, stable, etc.) were destroyed. Do I still need to pay my property taxes?

Yes, but see the discussion above if your damage exceeded $10,000.

Prior to the wildfires, I had agreed to purchase a residence/real property that subsequently was destroyed by the wildfires. Must I complete the purchase?

It depends on what the terms of the purchase agreement state and whether title to the property passed prior to the destruction of the property. If title to the property already had passed, then you were the owner as of the date of destruction and may be eligible for assistance from your insurer or from the various sources of aid identified in this HandBook. Otherwise, barring contrary language in your purchase and sale agreement, the Uniform Vendor and Purchaser Risk Act, Civil Code section 1662, allows a purchaser to back out of an agreement for the sale of real property if “all or a material part” of the property was destroyed prior to the transfer of title. You may want to obtain the advice of a real estate attorney or other professional to assist you.

Our house was destroyed by the wildfires, including the barn(s) and/or stables we had to shelter our larger animals. Although we were able to evacuate the animals, we now must find some place to keep them. Can anyone help?

Many shelters in the affected areas are continuing to care for animals displaced by the wildfires, sometimes at no charge to their owners. For a list of animal shelters in your area, visit the following websites: www.petfinder.org/disaster/index.html or www.rescuers.com/rescues/sheltercounties11.asp

The following is information specific to certain areas affected by the wildfires:

San Bernardino, Riverside and Inland Valley Areas

  • Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley, (800) 472-5609, can provide information on animal shelters and help reunite owners with their animals.
  • Inland Valley Humane Society and S.P.C.A., (909) 623-9777, established a temporary shelter at 500 Humane Way, Pomona; it also can provide information on animal shelters and lost pets. Please call to verify the status of the temporary shelter.
  • Animal Control, (909) 384-1304, can provide information on lost animals.
  • San Bernardino County Animal Control, (800) 472-5609.
  • Animal Evacuation Centers and Temporary Animal Shelters include the following: San Bernardino International Airport, 2065 E. Perimeter, San Bernardino, (909) 888-1485; San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, 14800 Seventh St., Victorville, (800) 472-5609; San Bernardino Shelter, 333 Chandler, San Bernardino, (909) 384-1304 or (909) 384-5275.

San Diego Area

  • Department of Animal Services is the lead agency for coordinating animal rescue work. Individuals in San Diego County should first call the Department of Animal Services at (619) 236-4250 or (619) 531-6051, or visit www.sddac.com/locations.html, for a list of local animal shelters and evacuation centers, or to help locate a lost pet. Several individuals and businesses also are offering temporary shelter for animals. Animal Services has a list of these shelters as well.
  • Animal Rescue Hotline at the San Diego Humane Society, (619) 299-7012 x2222, will provide information on missing animals and local animal shelters. Additional information can be found at the San Diego Humane Society’s website at www.sdhumane.org
  • Del Mar Fairgrounds: Volunteers are currently caring for horses and other large animals at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Anyone looking for an animal shelter or searching for their missing horse or other large animal is advised to visit the Fairgrounds, located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
  • Photos of Rescued Animals: Owners can check the following websites for pictures of horses, livestock, and other animals currently being cared for by volunteers at various locations: www.sdfair.com/lost_horse_photos.php, www.pvra.com/fire/index.htm, or www.rescuedanimals.org

San Fernando Valley and Simi Valley

  • Los Angeles Pet Shelter Information, (818) 756-9325, can provide information on shelters in the Los Angeles area.
  • Ventura County Fairgrounds, (800) 472-5609, established a temporary animal shelter. Please call to verify the status of the temporary shelter.
  • Los Angeles Pierce College established a temporary shelter for horses at 6201 Winnetka Avenue, Woodland Hills. Please call to verify the status of the temporary shelter.

Individuals seeking to rent pet-friendly apartments or houses should visit www.petrent.net

My pet was injured in the wildfires. Can I obtain financial assistance to care for my pet?

Animals that have been injured, orphaned, or otherwise affected by the wildfires may be eligible to receive aid through the United Animal Nations’ AnimalAid. The program can provide assistance in placing the animal in foster or permanent adoptive homes, transportation for the animal, and financial assistance of up to $500 per family to cover veterinary care, kennel boarding arrangements, food, medications, and other supplies. The guidelines for the program and an application can be obtained at www.uan.org/animalaid.html.