Anaheim : Victims of Fire Qualify for Low-Interest Loans

The Small Business Administration declared the city a disaster area Thursday, six weeks after an early-morning blaze raced through a large apartment complex and left 256 residents without shelter.

The declaration makes low-interest loans available to former tenants of the Casa de Valencia Apartments and to others who were affected by the fire, said John Tumpak of the SBA’s office in Los Angeles.

The July 3 fire, apparently ignited by illegal fireworks, began at 3 a.m. and quickly spread across the apartment complex’s wood shake roof at 2633 E. La Palma Ave., causing more than $2.2 million in damage, fire officials said. Many residents escaped with only the clothing they wore.

Renters may borrow up to $20,000 to replace or repair uninsured, damaged or destroyed personal property, Tumpak said. Interest on the loans will vary from 4% to 8%. Renters who can obtain loans easily from a bank or savings and loan will be offered a higher rate, he explained.

Any business owners affected by the fire may borrow up to $500,000, with interest rates again ranging from 4% to 8%. For homeowners, loans up to $100,000 for structural repairs and $20,000 for personal property loss are available, Tumpak said.

Application for loans to cover physical damage may be filed until Oct. 13, he said.

Disaster loan counselors will be at Anaheim Fire Department headquarters, 500 E. Broadway, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p m. Aug. 23, Tumpak said.

Information about loans is also available by calling (800) 468-1713, or writing the Small Business Administration Disaster Office, P.O. Box 13795, Sacramento, Calif. 95853-4795.