SBA Offered Disaster Loans for Bug and Hawk Fires
The Small Business Administration has launched a loan program to aid those impacted by fires in Nevada, California, and Oregon.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Emergency Response
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The U.S. Small Business Administration has initiated a disaster loan program for businesses, nonprofits, and residents affected by the Bug and Hawk fires. These fires burned across seven Nevada counties, five California counties, and two Oregon counties from Aug. 8 to Sept. 9.
Why it matters
The disaster declaration, requested by the governor, allows impacted parties to secure low-interest loans for physical repairs and economic recovery. These funds aim to support long-term stabilization for homeowners and businesses recovering from the wildfire damage.
Eligible entities can borrow up to $2 million for physical repairs, while homeowners may access up to $500,000 for residence repairs and $100,000 for personal property. Rates start at 3% for individuals, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 4% for businesses.
The players
U.S. Small Business Administration
This federal agency provides support to small businesses and disaster victims through financial assistance and loan programs.
The details
Applicants can pursue physical damage loans or Economic Injury Disaster Loans for working capital, with repayment terms stretching up to 30 years. Loans include an option for a 20% increase for mitigation projects, and interest payments are deferred for the first 12 months.
Timeline
The Bug and Hawk fires burned from Aug. 8 to Sept. 9.
The governor requested a disaster declaration on Sept. 9.
A Disaster Loan Outreach Center opened on Sept. 18.
The outreach center is scheduled to close on Oct. 15.
The deadline for physical damage loan applications is Nov. 10.
Seasonal Patterns
This disaster response follows the standard framework of the Small Business Act's disaster assistance provisions. The deployment of aid reflects a common pattern for federal recovery efforts following the conclusion of major regional wildfire events.
Residents and business owners can apply for financial assistance via the official SBA disaster portal or by visiting the Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Reno. Applicants should prepare documentation for physical damage or economic injury to meet upcoming filing deadlines.
The takeaway
Disaster victims have access to long-term financing options that feature deferred payments and low interest rates to support rebuilding efforts. Those impacted should prioritize the November application deadline to ensure timely processing of their recovery funds.
What happens next
The Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the North Valleys Library will remain operational until Oct. 15, while physical damage loan applications must be filed by Nov. 10. Economic injury applications are accepted through June 11, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on relief efforts, visit the Emergency Response section.
More information
Submit an application or find additional details at the SBA disaster loan application portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kolotv.
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