Prop 19: Hope for Angelenos and Survivors of the Devastating January Wildfires

Los Angeles Wildfires of 2025 are the most destructive in the city's history. (Stock image)

How Prop 19 Will Help Fire Victims Rebuild

If you or someone you know has lost a home to the devastating wildfires in Southern California this week, our hearts go out to you. As a community, Angelenos are built strong and no doubt, will rise again.

If you've lost a home to the wildfires, here's what you need to know about how Prop 19 will help fire victims rebuild and recover.

Proposition 19, passed by California voters in November 2020, provides tax benefits that can help wildfire victims and other disaster survivors rebuild or relocate.

How it works:

Prop 19 lets you transfer your property tax basis to your new home.

1. Property Tax Base Transfer:

Prop 19 allows eligible homeowners, including wildfire victims, to transfer their property’s existing tax base to a new home anywhere in California. This means if a homeowner’s property is destroyed in a wildfire, they can rebuild or purchase a new home without experiencing a large property tax increase, even if the new property is more expensive than their original one (though some adjustments may apply).

2. Expanded Eligibility:

It extends these tax base transfer benefits to people 55 or older, severely disabled individuals, and victims of wildfires or other natural disasters. This makes it easier for wildfire survivors to relocate to safer areas or rebuild after a disaster.

3. Multiple Transfers Allowed:

Wildfire victims are allowed to use this benefit up to three times, giving them flexibility if they need to relocate more than once due to repeated disasters or other circumstances.

4. Relief for Inherited Properties:

For heirs of properties impacted by wildfires, Prop 19 provides clarity on property tax reassessment rules when the property is inherited. However, stricter conditions now apply, ensuring properties used as primary residences maintain their tax benefits.

These provisions aim to reduce financial burdens on wildfire victims, helping them recover faster and maintain housing stability after losing their homes.

MORE RESOURCES for Wildfire Victims:

California Department of Insurance

https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/WildfireResources.cfm

American Red Cross

https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/press-release/2025/red-cross-helping-in-southern-california-as-wildfires-force-thousands-from-their-homes.html?srsltid=AfmBOooMaFEkXL2vEIzJ5eqgfaj_BlgLNQBZ9BONgrE6n_FQijqk0PvM

California State Recovery Resources

https://wildfirerecovery.caloes.ca.gov

Pet Resources

https://www.avma.org/blog/help-wildfire-victims-california