2020 Wildfire Recovery Resources
Resources
On this page:
Financial Assistance
CalOES - California Wildfires Statewide Recovery Resources.
County of Sonoma recovery:
Disaster Grants and Loans to help with recovery.
Agricultural Losses: contact the local USDA Farm Service Agency office to get on their list for notification of any program(s) that will come out of this disaster.
Keep records of everything that pertains to the loss, photo documentation, receipts and for crops rejected due to smoke taint: rejection letter, a copy of test results showing smoke taint, and keep track of what happens to the crop. If vines, see also: Should You Drop Unsold Fruit or Leave it on the Vine?
Disaster Legal Services free legal answers provided by California Lawyers Association. Includes link to other places to find help. Hotline number 888-382-3406.
FEMA - Federal assistance - deadline to register for disaster assistance is October 21, 2020 for the August lightning fires. Apply online via link above or download the FEMA app on tablet or phone, call or visit an intake center:
- FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) available 7am to 10:30pm
Fire Recovery Guide applying for federal aide, local assistance centers and SBA Disaster Loans by office of Congressman Thompson.
Unemployment Insurance EDD Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) providing temporary unemployment benefits to people whose jobs or work hour losses, or loss of business were a direct result of a disaster.
Recovery Information
After the fire: What do Do on the Land and What to Avoid video recording of webinar by UC ANR, Sept 2020.
Assessing Fire Damaged Landscapes video by USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service.
Farmers Build Wildfire Resilience videos featuring UCCE Advisors from online course and network dedicated to helping farmers and ranchers face a future with fire by farmercampus.com.
Forest Resources:
- UC Oaks – Assessing burn damaged oaks
- UCANR Fire in California – Wildfire Recovery
- NRCS – Post-Fire Disaster Resources
Produce Safety After Wildfire scientific information about how to handle produce exposed to wildfire smoke.
Should You Drop Unsold Fruit or Leave it on the Vine for vineyards affected by smoke taint.
The Red Guide to Recovery recovery resources, tips, and support agency information available to help in the process of recovery.
Local Assistance Funds
Sonoma County Farm Bureau Wildfire Relief Fund donations will be used to support farmers and ranchers, their livestock, and all the damage that is discovered after the fire, as well as training efforts. Funds will also go to the evacuation centers at the Sonoma County and Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. |
Sonoma County Grape Grower Foundation Farmworker Resiliency Fund supports ag workers and their families who were displaced from their homes, lost wages or were impacted by the fire. The fund will serve to assist any workers who are employed by a farmer, rancher or an agricultural employer in Sonoma County. |
Undocufund for Disaster Relief in Sonoma County to assist undocumented community members who often work in low paying jobs without sick leave, unemployment benefits or access to government assistance. They often don't pursue government assistance due to fear of immigration enforcement and lack of familiarity with programs. |