The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the approval of up to $10 million in emergency grant funding for California, with an initial release of $1 million. This funding is intended to support disaster-relief jobs and training services for those affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County.

The fires were ignited on January 7, 2025, during the region's strongest Santa Ana wind event in over a decade. The wildfires have forced more than 150,000 people to evacuate and have burned over 35,000 acres. New fires continue to emerge across the region, resulting in at least 24 fatalities and numerous missing persons. The disaster has disrupted the lives of more than half a million residents.

Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su expressed her concern: “My heart aches for my home state and all of the people impacted by these devastating fires.” She emphasized the importance of federal and state cooperation: “Californians need to know that their federal government, working in lock step with state government, stands with them.”

Following a disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on January 8, 2025, California was enabled to request federal assistance for recovery efforts.

The National Dislocated Worker Grant is supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. It allows California's Employment Development Department to offer temporary disaster-relief jobs and humanitarian aid addressing immediate needs for those displaced by the wildfires. Additionally, it provides training and services to individuals within affected communities.

The Employment and Training Administration oversees these grants at both state and local levels. They are designed to expand service capacity in response to significant job losses caused by unexpected economic events.