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Washington, D.C. - {Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) announced that the President declared a major federal disaster for California as a result of the wildfires burning since November 13th. The federal disaster declaration covers the Sayre Fire in Sylmar, and victims can begin to apply for direct Federal assistance and grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal agencies. The declaration also included the Tea fire in Santa Barbara and the Freeway Complex fires in and near Orange County.
"The San Fernando Valley wildfires, which occurred in October and November throughout my district, have burned over 30,000 acres and destroyed or damaged over 750 structures, including nearly 500 homes in the Oakridge Mobile Home Park in Sylmar. The federal disaster declaration will help victims of the Sayre fire rebuild their homes and lives," said Congressman Sherman.
FEMA Individual Assistance includes aid to eligible individuals and households in the form of temporary housing, grants for the repair or replacement of damaged or destroyed homes, disaster unemployment assistance, legal services, crisis counseling and other direct assistance. The U.S. Small Business Administration will also make available low-interest loans to help individuals and families cover the gap between the cost of rebuilding and the amount of insurance settlements.
In order to apply for FEMA assistance, fire victims should call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or go online to http://www.fema.gov/assistance. FEMA will also establish a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in the fire areas where applicants can go for information about FEMA or other disaster assistance programs, or for questions related to a disaster claim.
Fire victims in the San Fernando Valley should contact Congressman Sherman's District Office at (818) 501-9200 if they need assistance in applying for FEMA aid or obtaining lost or damaged federal records.
"I believe the Valley's October fires – the Marek and Sesnon fires – should be included in the federal disaster declaration. The October Fires, the Sayre fires and the Santa Barbara and Orange County fires all share the same cause – the autumn Santa Ana winds. Those who suffered in the October fires deserve the same Federal disaster assistance as those affected in November by the Sayre, Tea and Freeway fires," said Congressman Sherman.
"Unfortunately, unless the Marek and Sesnon fires are included in the federal disaster declaration, victims of those fires will be eligible only for limited SBA loans – but won't get FEMA grants. That is why I have been working since Saturday to persuade Governor Schwarzenegger to include the Marek and Sesnon fires in the federal disaster declaration," added Congressman Sherman.
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