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While we still await updates, these California fires are being named the deadliest in the state’s history. At time of writing, the number of deaths from the Camp Fire in Northern California has risen to 77 while over 900 people remain missing. According to recent updates by Cal Fire, the Camp Fire has burned approximately 151,000 acres, causing over 40,000 residents to abandon their homes and find safety.
The Woosley Fire has burned more than 96,000 acres and numerous homes, and the Hill Fire in Ventura County has burned over 4,000 acres, including RVs and outbuildings. While the Hill Fire is fully contained, the Camp Fire is 66 percent contained and the Woolsey Fire is 94 percent contained. No matter how close your home or business is to wildland areas, it’s always best to be prepared in case of emergency evacuation, prepare your home to mitigate potential for damage, and have knowledge of your local and national recovery resources.
SBA Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration has released important information about counties that are eligible to apply for a disaster loan, as well as the locations of Disaster Recovery Centers in California. At time of writing the SBA has announced that Butte, Los Angeles and Ventura County are eligible for SBA Disaster Loans. The following contiguous Florida counties are currently eligible for Economic Injury Loans only: Colusa, Glenn, Kern, Orange, Plumas, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Sutter, Tehama, Yuba. Renters and Homeowners with access to a computer or smartphone can apply online here for a disaster loan.
Renters and homeowners, as well as businesses, are eligible to apply for the SBA’s no cost, low-interest rate disaster loans even if they do not own a business. According to the SBA website, renters and homeowners may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars or appliances.
Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their primary residence to pre-disaster condition. Moreover, loans may be increased up to 20 percent of total amount of physical loss to make improvements that lessen the risk of future property damage.
Renters and homeowners can apply for both FEMA assistance and SBA disaster loans simultaneously with zero cost, so do not wait until you get a response from FEMA. You do not have to accept an SBA low-interest rate loan even if you are qualified.
Where to Apply
Disaster Recovery Centers near areas affected by the wildfires are also accepting applications. Here are the list of cities with centers:
Camarillo
Address:
Business Recovery Business Recovery Center (BRC)
Ventura County Community Foundation Building
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC,
4001 Mission Oaks Blvd., Suite B
Camarillo, CA 93012
Hours:
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22
Mondays – Saturdays
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Chico/Butte County
Address:
Business Recovery Center (BRC)
Former Sears Building
1982 E. 20th Street
Chico, CA 95928
Hours:
Monday – Sunday
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Chico
Address:
Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)
Former Sears Building
1982 E. 20th Street
Chico, CA 95928
Hours:
Monday – Sunday
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
*Note: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese spoken
Thousand Oaks/Ventura County
Address:
Local Assistance Center (LAC)
Grant R. Brimhall Library
1401 E. Janss Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Hours:
*Closes November 20th at 7:00 pm
Mondays – Fridays
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday – Sundays
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm