Fire Emergency | FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions related to current fire emergency in San Diego County

Q:  I am a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher or other rental assistance participant and where I live was damaged or destroyed in the fire, what do I do now?

A:  If you were evacuated from your home, you should not return into the fire areas until fire and law enforcement officials have said it is safe to return.  Call 211 to speak with someone about evacuations, shelters, road closures and other disaster-related services. Information can also be found on the San Diego County Emergency Site.

Once you and your family are safe, please contact your landlord about your unit and next steps.  Call your Housing Specialist or (858) 694-4801 to speak to someone about the process of relocating.  If you do have to move to a new unit, we will give you with the necessary paperwork for you and your new landlord to complete.  The inspection of your new unit will be expedited so that you can relocate as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, we aren’t able to assist with security deposits or household items.  Please contact 211 for these resources. 

Q:  I am a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher or other rental assistance participant and I can’t pay my rent on time, is there a grace period?

A:  If you are unable to pay your rent, contact 211 for assistance and/or your landlord.  There may be homeless prevention assistance available.

Q:  I am a landlord renting to a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher or other rental assistance family and my rental unit was damaged or destroyed, will the housing assistance payments continue?

A:  Please contact your Housing Specialist or (858) 694-4801 to speak to someone about your specific situation.  Staff will be able to determine next steps e.g. if assistance can continue, if an inspection is required, etc.  We will expedite any necessary paperwork or inspections.

Q:  I live in or near the fire area, where can I get more information about the fire?

A:  Call 211 to speak with someone about evacuations, shelters, road closures and other disaster-related services. Information on shelters information can be found on the San Diego County Emergency Site.

Q: Where can I go to get information about the recovery process?  

A:  Unincorporated County residents affected by the wildfires may call the Recovery Assistance Hotline (858-495-5200) or email CountyFireRecovery@sdcounty.ca.gov. Both will be staffed by County employees from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week. Callers can leave a voice mail after hours and County staff will return the call the next day.  If you live in an incorporated city, please contact that city.  The County will open a Local Assistance Center, a centralized location for services and resource referrals:

Vista Branch Library
700 Eucalyptus Ave., Vista CA 92084
Operating Hours 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Will be open for assistance beginning Monday, December 11, 2017