Camarillo Center for Fire Victims Aids 80 People

A Camarillo center set up to assist victims of Ventura County’s recent wildfires has helped more than 80 people, federal workers said Friday.

Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and other agencies were on hand all last week to help those affected by the wildfires.

In Ventura County, two blazes scorched more than 170,000 acres, destroying 38 homes and damaging 11 others.

The local assistance center, at 730 Paseo Camarillo, has cut back its days of operation to Thursday through Saturday.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

The center does not dispense aid; it is set up to answer questions and provide advice. Fire victims should register for assistance with FEMA by calling (800) 621-3362. Countywide, 235 people have registered through that number, said FEMA spokesman Dean Cushman.

In Ventura County, the agency so far has awarded grants of $60,759 to those who have suffered damage to a residence and $149,723 for other sorts of loss, such as personal property, Cushman said.

The SBA has received 10 applications for low-interest loans in Ventura County and has made one loan, for $16,500, said SBA spokesman Ken Shuman. Those interested in loans can call (800) 488-5323.

In the five-county region affected by the fire, FEMA has awarded $11 million in grants and the SBA has made loans of more than $22 million, Cushman said.