3 days ago
Federal help available for Payne County wildfire victims
PAYNE COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) — Federal help is on the ground in Payne County, where wildfires in March left behind a trail of destruction.
FEMA and the Small Business Administration are now working to get relief into the hands of those who desperately need it and have set up recovery centers in Stillwater.
'We realize that there have been many people who have been affected by these disasters,' said Fabian Gutierrez, FEMA Region 6 Spokesperson.
While FEMA focuses on immediate needs, the SBA steps in to help with long-term recovery.
'We don't just help businesses. We do help homeowners and renters. So, homeowners can apply for up to $500,000 to repair or replace their physical damage to their homes. And then homeowners and renters can also apply for up to $100,000,' said Kim Wetherby, SBA Public Information Officer.
Dan Byrd lost his home to the flames. On Friday morning, he applied for help.
'I think that there needs to be more people aware of what they're doing here now,' said Byrd.
FEMA approves March wildfire assistance for 7 counties
Bird says 28 homes in his Stillwater neighborhood burned.
'I couldn't get into the area, but there was smoke everywhere,' said Byrd. 'I was saved. My son was saved and our dog, Samson, he was saved.'
FEMA and SBA officials urge survivors to apply now, even if they're unsure what they qualify for.
'We want to make sure that as many people get FEMA assistance,' said Gutierrez
'For businesses, they can apply for up to $2 million to replace their physical damage,' said Wetherby.
The disaster recovery center will remain open for at least three more weeks.
Officials said they will stay as long as help is needed.
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