Relief Centers for Fire Victims to Open Today

Glendale and Santa Barbara homeowners whose property was damaged or destroyed in the brush fires last week can apply for state and federal relief programs at centers opening today.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the California Office of Emergency Services will operate the center at the Glendale Civic Auditorium, 1401 N. Verdugo Road. It will be open on the Fourth of July and through Saturday, spokeswoman Nancy Hardaker said.

Hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. the rest of the week. Glendale officials said they will set up a children’s activity area to provide supervision for youngsters while their parents seek relief information.

State and federal personnel will describe programs providing low-interest loans, temporary housing, family grants and other aid to residents who had no insurance or insufficient coverage for losses in the brush fire that destroyed 46 Glendale homes and damaged 20 others last week.

Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis, relief officials said. They urged residents to bring a copy of their insurance policy and a list of belongings lost in the fire.

For other information, the center will be staffed by representatives of the Internal Revenue Service, the California Franchise Tax Board, the Veterans Administration, the California Department of Insurance, the Social Security Administration, the Contractors’ State License Board and the California Employment Development Department.

No direct telephone service to the Glendale relief center will be available, and all residents seeking assistance must visit in person. General information on state and federal relief programs can be obtained by calling a toll-free hot line, (800) 525-0321, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

A similar relief center for Santa Barbara County fire victims has been set up in Goleta.

Residents who suffered uninsured losses can apply for state and federal loans and grants at the auditorium of the Office of the County Superintendent of Schools, 4400 Cathedral Oaks Blvd., Goleta, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. at least through the rest of the week. Representatives from various Santa Barbara County agencies will also be at the site.