Los Angeles County, which includes Glendale, has been part of fourteen federal disaster declarations since 2000, including the 2025 wildfires and straight-line winds (DR-4856) and storm and flood declarations in 2023 and 2024. Hillside neighborhoods face fire and runoff, while flatter blocks deal more often with plumbing failures and street flooding.
Fire & Water Energy simply makes introductions; the actual work is done by others. Call (866) 937-3230 and we will try to pair you with an independent restoration contractor that serves Glendale. Our referral disclosure spells out the details.
Verdugo Mountains, fault lines and fierce fall winds
Most of the city lies in the Verdugo Mountains region, about 10 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, at an average elevation near 520 feet. Verdugo Wash, which runs through the city, was channelized by the WPA between 1935 and 1937. The Los Angeles River passes through the stretch known as the Glendale Narrows.
Rainfall averages a little over 21 inches, with El Niño years running wetter and La Niña years drier. Santa Ana winds, typically from October to December, can reach 70 mph and gust to 100 mph in canyons and passes. The city also sits on or near several faults, including the Verdugo and Raymond; in the 1971 San Fernando earthquake, 31 Glendale buildings were damaged badly enough to be demolished. The hottest day on record was 115 degrees in September 2020.
Where water damage starts in Glendale homes
Hillside houses often have long supply runs, retaining walls and drainage systems that can fail during heavy rain, sending water toward foundations and lower floors. On the flats, apartment buildings and older single-family homes see leaks from shared plumbing stacks, water heaters and aging roof membranes.
Earthquakes can crack pipes and loosen fittings even when nothing looks wrong at first, so check under sinks and around the water heater after any noticeable shaking. For water damage restoration in Glendale, a typical contractor will stop the leak, extract water and dry the building with monitored equipment. Damaged ceilings from upstairs units may need ceiling water damage repair.
Federal disaster declarations that included Los Angeles County
FEMA records show Los Angeles County was included in 14 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (7 fire, 5 severe storm, 2 flood, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Glendale was affected. The most recent:
- 2025 – Wildfires and Straight-line Winds (DR-4856)
- 2024 – Severe Winter Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4769)
- 2023 – Severe Winter Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4699)
- 2023 – Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides (DR-4683)
- 2020 – Wildfires (DR-4569)
- 2018 – Wildfires (DR-4407)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.
Water, fire or storm damage in Glendale?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Glendale property.
Wildfire smoke, embers and soot
Strong autumn winds and dry brush on the slopes make fire a recurring concern. Los Angeles County has been part of wildfire declarations in 2007, 2008, 2018, 2020 and 2025, and the 2025 declaration covered both wildfires and straight-line winds.
Smoke can penetrate homes even where flames never arrive, leaving fine soot in carpets, upholstery and duct systems. Smoke damage cleanup typically includes HEPA vacuuming, chemical sponging of walls, cleaning or replacing HVAC filters and ducts, and treating fabrics. Persistent odor may call for smoke odor removal with specialized equipment.
Runoff, mudslides and storm flooding
Rain falling on steep hillsides, especially slopes that have burned, can carry mud and debris downhill quickly. The county's 2023 and 2024 storm declarations both listed landslides and mudslides. Lower streets can take on water when drains back up during intense rain.
Mud and floodwater should be handled as contaminated. Flood cleanup generally involves shoveling out sediment, removing saturated drywall and insulation, and disinfecting before drying. Wind-damaged roofs and fallen trees from Santa Ana events need storm damage cleanup and fast tarping.
Mold risk after leaks and wet winters
Even in a dry climate, mold grows wherever moisture lingers: behind shower walls, in crawl spaces and under flooring after a slow leak. Houses dug into hillsides may also have damp lower walls after big storms.
The EPA indicates that mold patches smaller than about 10 square feet are usually manageable by the homeowner once the moisture source is fixed. For larger areas or growth inside walls, consider mold remediation with containment and air filtration.
Safety first for Glendale households
- Call 911 for active fires, gas leaks, injuries or downed power lines.
- Follow official evacuation orders during red-flag wind events and storms on burned slopes.
- After an earthquake, check for gas odors and broken water lines before re-entering damaged areas.
- Photograph all damage and keep receipts for emergency purchases. Coverage varies by policy, so speak with your insurer before major repairs.
When you are ready, call (866) 937-3230 and we will try to reach an independent contractor in your area. Read how it works or browse California service areas.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Areas in and around Glendale that callers often mention include:
- Downtown Glendale
- Adams Hill
- South Glendale
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Glendale):
- Burbank · 4 mi
- Los Angeles · 6 mi
- Pasadena · 6 mi
- Alhambra · 8 mi
- East Los Angeles · 9 mi
- South Gate · 13 mi
Glendale restoration FAQs
When are Santa Ana winds strongest in Glendale?
They typically blow from October through December, reaching up to 70 mph and gusting even higher in canyons. These winds raise fire danger and can damage roofs, so inspect your roof and clear dry vegetation before fall.
Do El Niño winters mean more water damage?
Often, yes. Glendale averages just over 21 inches of rain, and El Niño years tend to be wetter. Clear gutters and check hillside drainage before the season starts.
Can earthquakes cause water damage?
They can. Shaking may crack pipes or loosen water heater connections, as past quakes such as 1971 San Fernando and 1994 Northridge damaged buildings in the city. Strap your water heater and know where your main shutoff is.
How do I get connected with a restoration contractor in Glendale?
Call (866) 937-3230. Fire & Water Energy is a referral service that will try to link you with an independent restoration contractor serving the area. Ask that contractor for a written scope of work before you sign anything.
Restoration guides
- Smoke Damage Cleanup
- Smoke Odor Removal
- Water Damage Restoration
- Ceiling Water Damage Repair
- Flood Cleanup
- Mold Remediation