CA Wildfire Victims Have Two Weeks To Register For Federal Aid

CALIFORNIA — California's largest wildfire season on record sent hundreds of thousands fleeing from their homes this year, as more than 10,000 structures were destroyed. Households impacted by these wildfires have until Dec. 16 to register for federal assistance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency helps wildfire survivors pay for rent, home repair or replacement and assists with other disaster related needs, including vehicle repair, funeral expenses, medical and dental expenses and many other costs.

Those who were impacted by 2020's catastrophic wildfires, which severely impacted Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, Mendocino, Napa, San Berardino, San Diego, Shasta, Siskiyou and Sonoma counties, were eligible to apply.

Those applying are asked to photograph any damage inflicted by fires and to save any repair receipts. Survivors are instructed to contact their insurers and file a claim for damages before registering with FEMA. The agency will then determine an applicant's eligibility once the insurance claim is settled, according to a statement released by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

Those who fail to register by Dec. 16 will not be reimbursed.

Wildfire survivors in need of assistance through FEMA can apply online here, download the FEMA app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Those applying will need to provide the following information:

• Social Security number
• Insurance policy information
• Address of the damaged primary dwelling
• A description of disaster-caused damage and losses
• Current mailing address
• Current telephone number
• Total household annual income
• Routing and account number of your checking or savings account (for direct transfer of funds to your bank account)

Small business owners are also able to apply for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration here.

The 2020 wildfire season charred some 4.1 million acres of land, killed 31 people and destroyed 10,488 structures, according to Cal Fire. And wildfire season might not be over yet The National Weather Service issued red-flag warnings for much of Southern California Wednesday.

Low humidity combined with strong winds increased wildfire risk, prompting local utilities to warn residents of possible power shutoffs to mitigate fire risk.

READ MORE: Red Flag Fire Weather In Los Angeles County: Power Outages Coming