Washington—The Camp Fire is now the deadliest fire in California history, killing at least 63 people, leaving more than 600 people missing and destroying nearly 9,000 homes. In Southern California, the Woolsey and Hill Fires have killed three people and leveled almost 400 homes.

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement on federal aid available to victims of California’s wildfires:

“As first responders continue to fight fires up and down the state, I encourage all Californians to closely follow evacuation orders. Safety has to be our first priority with these fast-moving, deadly fires.

“But as we move into the recovery phase, it’s important to know that federal funds are available now to help wildfire victims with their immediate needs. Those affected should register with FEMA as soon as possible to begin receiving aid.

“My priority right now is to ensure all necessary resources are available, which means additional federal relief funds as well as tax relief. If you need any assistance, please call my San Francisco office at 415-393-0707. We’re here to help.”

Available resources

 Shelter information

To locate an emergency shelter near you, text “SHELTER” and your zip code to 43362 or call 201 for information on local resources.

Evacuation information

Current status of evacuation orders can be found here. Californians are encouraged to use an abundance of caution when returning home and follow Cal Fire’s advice here.

How to register for wildfire assistance

Individuals and businesses that sustained losses in the designated area can apply for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 TTY. The toll-free numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST seven days a week until further notice.

Individuals applying for assistance will need:

• Social Security number
• Address of the damaged home or apartment
• Description of the damage
• Insurance coverage information
• Telephone number
• Mailing Address
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit

Anyone who has lost those documents in the fire should contact Senator Feinstein’s San Francisco office at 415-393-0707 for assistance requesting new copies.

Disaster Recovery and Local Assistance Centers

A Disaster Recovery Center opened today in Butte County. The center is located in the former Sears store at the Chico Mall, 1982 East 20th Street Chico, CA 95928. The center will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A Local Assistance Center is open now in Ventura County. The center is located at the Grant R. Brimhall Library, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. The center will be open until Tuesday, Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Anyone requiring transportation there should call 805-375-5467.

FEMA will set up an additional Disaster Recovery Center in Southern California.

FEMA aid

FEMA has more than $24 billion available in its Disaster Relief Fund, which is the main source of federal disaster assistance to individuals and communities. Individuals are eligible for up to $33,000 in federal disaster assistance in addition to payouts from their insurance policies.

State and local governments can apply for public assistance to provide emergency protective services, remove debris, and repair or replace damaged public infrastructure. Last year, FEMA provided $1.477 billion for wildfire victims in Napa and Sonoma counties.

Small Business Administration disaster loans

The SBA has approximately $1.2 billion available for disaster loans, which help supplement FEMA assistance. These federally-subsidized loans can be used by individuals and business to repair or replace homes, personal property, or businesses that sustained damages not covered by insurance. SBA loan assistance provided in response to last year’s wildfires was $216 million.

Blood donations

Eligible blood and platelet donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment to give by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).

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