A Small Business Administration public‑information officer told the Dallas City Council on July 28 that the SBA has opened a local disaster recovery center following the Rowena wildfire and is offering low‑interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits.

Javier Caldenco, public information officer for the SBA Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, said the SBA is offering physical‑damage loans (up to $2,000,000 for businesses and nonprofits; up to $500,000 for homeowners to repair or replace primary residences; up to $100,000 for personal property) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (up to $2,000,000 to help businesses cover operating expenses). He said the first 12 months of an SBA disaster loan carry a 0% interest rate and no payments are required during that period.

Caldenco said the local recovery center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gloria Center (staff can assist applicants on site), and he urged anyone with fire‑related damages to apply. He gave deadlines: applicants with physical damage should apply by Sept. 15, 2025; businesses seeking economic‑injury assistance have until April 16, 2026.

Councilors asked whether people were using SBA services; Caldenco said the center has received inquiries and some applications in its first week and encouraged anyone unsure to apply because applicants may decide later whether to accept a loan.

Why it matters: Low‑interest, long‑term disaster loans can assist homeowners and businesses affected by wildfire damage to repair property, cover operating costs and bridge insurance or funding gaps.

What comes next: SBA staff will continue local outreach; county and city partners said they are circulating the SBA contact information and encouraging residents to visit the Wasco County website for consolidated recovery resources.