CARSON CITY (FOX5) — The Small Business Administration declared a disaster for Nevada on September 11 due to the Bug and Hawk fires. Homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations may now apply for low-interest disaster loans for losses not fully covered by insurance or other sources.
How the declaration came about
Governor Joe Lombardo worked with the Nevada Office of Emergency Management to submit a request for the disaster declaration after teams from NV OEM, the SBA and Washoe County conducted Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments last week.
“Families and businesses impacted by the Bug and Hawk fires have been through an incredibly difficult time, and they deserve every resource available to help them recover,” Lombardo said. “I want to thank the SBA for approving our request for a disaster declaration, which will give affected Nevadans access to low-interest loans to repair, rebuild and replace what was lost. My administration will continue working alongside our local and federal partners to ensure Nevadans have the support they need to recover and move forward.”
Loan types and eligibility
Survivors can apply for physical damage loans to help repair or replace disaster-damaged property and Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help small businesses meet necessary financial obligations inhibited by the disaster. Secondary homes or vacation properties are not eligible for these loans.
“Receiving an Administrative disaster declaration from the SBA shows how dedicated our recovery team is to getting survivors the help they need,” said NV OEM Chief Brett Compston. “The Nevada Office of Emergency Management remains committed to exploring every option for assistance to support those impacted by the fires. We’re grateful for the SBA’s declaration and to everyone who has come together to help survivors in these difficult times.”
Deadlines and how to apply
The deadline to apply for physical loans is November 10, 2026. The deadline to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is June 11, 2027.
Applications may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal. For further assistance, contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-659-2955.
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