CALIFORNIA — Schools in wildfire zones in California pose a growing risk for thousands of students. More than 6% of public school students in the state attend classes in areas classified as high or very high fire severity zones, according to Cal Fire and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. These areas, known as Fire Hazard Severity Zones, are especially dangerous due to dry vegetation, sloped terrain, and intense winds.
Wildfires such as the Palisades Fire (January 2025) and the Eaton Fire, which damaged or destroyed nine schools in Southern California, have made it clear: there is an urgent need to upgrade school infrastructure and emergency plans to protect students.
What Can Schools Do to Protect Our Children?
Experts recommend:
- Reinforce school buildings with non-combustible materials (e.g., roofing, double-pane windows)
- Remove flammable vegetation around school grounds
- Install air filters to maintain indoor air quality during and after wildfire events
- Develop and communicate clear evacuation and family reunification plans
- Use state funding, such as Proposition 2 (2024), which aims to improve the safety and resilience of public schools in the face of natural disasters
| Description | Details |
| Objective | Finance school infrastructure improvements focused on wildfire and earthquake safety |
| Available Funds | Distributed by the State Allocation Board to school districts |
| Eligible Projects | – Structural reinforcement- Fire life safety systems- ADA accessibility- Post-disaster rehabilitation |
| Technical Requirements | Projects must comply with Division of the State Architect (DSA) codes |
| Examples of Approved Improvements | – Fire-resistant roofs- Double-pane windows- Air filtration systems- Defensible fire-safe zones |
| Local Application | Each school district decides whether to apply and how funds are allocated |
| Parents’ Rights: | Request information about school safety fundingParticipate in school district meetingsDemand transparency in how safety funds are used |
How Does This Affect Latino Families in California?
Many of the schools located in wildfire zones are in Los Angeles, the Central Valley, and the Central Coast, areas with high concentrations of Latino students. For many families, language barriers, lack of access to safety information, or fear due to immigration status may prevent them from taking safe and informed action.
At Ayuda California, we remind families:
- Schools cannot ask about your immigration status when providing emergency services or safety information
- You have the right to receive school communications in Spanish
- You can demand that your child’s school have an updated fire safety plan in compliance with California Education Code §§ 32280–32289.5 (Comprehensive School Safety Plan)
- You can check if your child’s school is in a fire zone using Cal Fire’s interactive map.
Need Legal Guidance or Support After a Wildfire?
At Ayuda California, we protect families facing environmental hazards like wildfires, school evacuations, or property damage on school grounds.
We provide:
- Free and confidential legal consultations
- Services in Spanish
- Help securing medical care and financial support
Ayuda California
The medical treatment you need. The money you deserve.
