FEMA aid now available to Butte County wildfire victims after Berry Creek catastrophe

Sep. 14--Struck by the latest big California wildfire, Butte County was added Monday to the list of California counties approved for federal help for individuals and households assistance as part of the major disaster declaration approved last month by President Donald Trump.

Butte becomes the ninth California county approved by the federal government for assistance, following Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo.

FEMA's individual assistance program provides grants to help eligible survivors with financial assistance that may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other disaster-related needs such as childcare, medical and dental expenses.

Individuals can apply for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency online at www.disasterassistance.gov; by downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet; or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. Pacific.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has established a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to help homeowners and renters. Customer service representatives are available to assist business owners and individuals to answer questions about SBA's disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each person complete their electronic loan application. The center can be reached daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 800-659-2955.

The Bear Fire, now known as the North Complex West Zone, destroyed much of the Butte County community of Berry Creek last Tuesday. At least 14 people have been killed.

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