SMC Wildfire Recovery
This page includes resources to help you get the help you need if you are a victim of the CZU Lightning Complex fire that began Aug. 16, 2020.
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Evacuation & Safety Warning Information
Note: On Aug. 22, 2020, the White House approved California’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to bolster the state’s emergency response to wildfires burning in Northern California and support impacted residents in Lake, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration helps people in the impacted counties through eligibility for support including crisis counseling, housing and unemployment assistance and legal services. It also provides federal assistance to help state, tribal and local governments fund emergency response, recovery and protective measures.
Email Updates
Watershed Emergency Response Team Evaluation
CalFire’s Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT) has prepared a detailed report outlining potential risks from debris flows and hazard trees in the fire burn area and impacted watersheds.
EPA Phase 1 Fire Cleanup Progress
Updates
Update Oct. 21, 2020: The County of San Mateo Recovery Team is currently planning for potential debris flow following the wildfires. Information will be posted here as it becomes available
Update Oct. 13, 2020: The FEMA Individuals and Housing Program is available to all eligible renters and homeowners in the counties of Butte, Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo, which are covered in the Aug. 22 federal disaster declaration.
Official FEMA Release - Renters Eligible for Assistance
Update Oct. 7, 2020: The deadline for survivors of August wildfires to register with FEMA for individual disaster assistance and apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has been extended to Nov. 21.
Official FEMA Release - Extended Registration Deadline
As of Oct. 3, 2020, all mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted. All areas are open.
- If you sustained losses, you can apply for federal assistance online:
Apply with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY).
On Sept. 9, 2020 San Mateo County Health Officer Scott Morrow declared a health emergency due to the public health threat of hazardous waste from wildfires. The Health Order prohibits the unsafe removal, transport, and disposal of fire debris to ensure safety of residents and the environment.
Assistance Programs
- Disaster Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers (USDA): Letter Sized, Poster
- Disaster Legal Services (ABA)
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance (EDD)
- FEMA Assistance Flyers: English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog
- FEMA Assistance: Signup Deadline Extended
- FEMA Assistance: Renters Eligible for Assistance