Bolt Creek Fire declared economic injury disaster; applications open for low-interest disaster loans

SKYKOMISH, Wash. — Many businesses impacted by the Bolt Creek Fire could now be eligible for federal relief.

The fire has been declared an economic injury disaster, making low-interest federal loans available to affected organizations.

The disaster loans are available for small businesses, farms and nonprofit organizations impacted by the fire in King and Snohomish counties.

The maximum loan amount is $2 million, according to the office of Sen. Maria Cantwell.

The Bolt Creek Fire started on Sept. 10 along those county lines and burned more than 14,000 acres, prompting evacuations and bringing smoke across the region.

Cantwell said the loans can help businesses that were impacted by repetitive closures of Highway 2, which cut them off from supplies and customers.

“These low-interest loans can help small businesses pay their bills and retain valued employees as revenues get back to normal,” said Cantwell in a statement. “We have to continue to improve the Highway 2 corridor and opportunities for businesses.”

Impacted organizations have until Aug. 20, 2023, to apply for disaster loan assistance.

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