October 3, 2025 - Federal assistance is now available for survivors of the TCU September Lightning Complex Fire. Low interest disaster loans are now available to California businesses, private nonprofits and residents to offset physical and economic losses from the fires from September 2-13, 2025.

What types of Disaster Loans are Available?

• Business Physical Disaster Loans
• Home Disaster Loans
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)

Businesses and nonprofits may be eligible to borrow up to $2 million to repair, or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property such as: clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances.

The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Tuolumne, Alpine, Calaveras, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, and Stanislaus counties.

What are the Credit Requirements:

• Credit history acceptable by SBA
• Ability to repay loans

Loan details include:

• Terms of up to 30 years
• Interest rates as low as 3.625% for nonprofits and 4.00% for businesses
• No payments due for the first 12 months, and no interest accrual during that period

How to Apply:

Applicants can apply or get more information by:

• Visiting: sba.gov/disaster
• Calling SBA Customer Service: (800) 659-2955
• Emailing: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
• In person:
  • Disaster Loan Outreach Center
  • Mother Lode Job Training
  • 197 Mono Way, Ste. B
  • Sonora, CA 95370
  • Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm

Deadlines for Applications:

• Physical Damage: November 24, 2025
• Economic Injury: June 24, 2025.
  
  
  Burning Structure in Chinese Camp
  Credit: Tuolumne County Sheriff Department
  
  Source: Cal OES