Ventura County CoLAB

Disaster Resources: Mountain Fire

Last Updated : December 5, 2024

This page serves as a central hub of information for individuals, families, and farms affected by the Mountain Fire. Whether you’re seeking guidance, support, or updates during the recovery process, this resource is here to assist. Our goal is to provide comprehensive and accessible information to help everyone impacted navigate this challenging time and rebuild with resilience.

Acres Burned
Structures Burned
Outbuildings Destroyed
Evacuation Orders In Place

Mountain Fire Ag Recovery Webinar: Videos

Mountain Fire Ag Recovery Webinar #1

Play Video

Mountain Fire Ag Recovery Webinar #2

Play Video

Mountain Fire Ag Recovery Webinar 3: Community Check In 

·      Date/Time: Friday, December 6th | 10am

·      Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85690644273?pwd=mpQz5IYEai04Ue7gmmGTZ0dGFkqhlp.1

·      Webinar ID: 856 9064 4273

·      Passcode: AGSTRONG

U.S. Small Business Administration - Disaster Assistance Loans - new!!

Residents affected by the Mountain Fire will have access to additional financial assistance provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA will be offering individual loan assistance to residents who qualify and incurred damage and loss on their properties as result of the fire.

SBA Disaster Loans Include:

  • Business Loans up to $2M for repairs/replacements of real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, and other assets.
  • Economic Injury Loans for small businesses, agricultural cooperatives and nonprofits, regardless of property damage.
  • Homeowner Loans up to $500,000 for real estate repairs.
  • Personal Property Loans for homeowners and renters may qualify for up to $100,000 to repair/replace personal property, including vehicles.
  • Interest Rates as low as 2.563% for homeowners/renters and as low as 4% for businesses.

Deadline to apply:

  • Property damage loan application - January 28, 2025
  • Economic Injury loan application - August 29, 2025

In-Person Assistance: SBA representatives will be at the Ventura County Office of Education Conference Center, 5100 Adolfo Rd., Camarillo, Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Resources: Farmers, Ranchers & Growers

Mountain Fire Damage Agricultural Assessment Form

Ventura County: Ag Commissioner's Office

UC Ag Advisors: Helpful Resources for Mountain Fire

CAFF: What to know about wildfire and food safety

Ventura County: Farmworker Resource Program

VCFD: Fire & Recovery Info - READY, SET, GO!

Fire Recovery for Avocado & Citrus Growers

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA): Disaster Assistance

Call The FSA
*Extension 2

CDPH: Information about Valley Fever

Ventura County: Ag Pass Program - ReadyVC

UC Ag Advisors: After the fire and before the Rain: What To Do

Ventura County: Farmworker Wildfire Smoke Alert

Ventura County: Permitting for Temp Farmworker Trailers

Resources: USDA Programs

2024 Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program

Provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters including excessive wind and qualifying drought (includes native grass for grazing).
Learn More

Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program

Provides emergency relief for losses due to feed or water shortages, disease, adverse weather, or other conditions, which are not adequately addressed by other disaster programs. Notice of Loss and application deadline is Jan 30 after the program year in which the loss occurred.
Learn More

2024 Livestock USDA Indemnity Program

An owner or contract grower must file a notice of loss within 30 calendar days of when the loss of livestock is first apparent. LIP offers payments to eligible producers for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather.
Learn More

USDA Emergency Agricultural Loan Program

Available to producers with agriculture operations located in a county under a primary or contiguous Presidential or Secretarial disaster designation. These low interest loans help producers recover from production and physical losses.

Learn More

2024 USDA Tree Assistance Program

Report your tree/bush/vine losses within 90 Days of the disaster or disease. TAP provides assistance to eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers for qualifying tree, shrub, and vine losses due to natural disasters, including fire.
Learn More

Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)

Provides emergency funding for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate land severely damaged by natural disasters; includes fence loss.

Learn More

Resources: General

12/4/2024 Phase 2 Debris Removal Meeting - Recording - Coming soon! 

Debris Removal Program - 12/4 - UPDATED information - new! 

Debris Removal Program - Right of Entry Forms - new! 

Ventura County: Temporary Housing After a Disaster FAQ

Wildfire, Emergency Alert, and Evacuation Information

Ventura County Health Care Agency

Private Debris Removal Application Form (for homeowners opting out of County plan) - new! 

Rain Ready - sandbag locations - 

Medical Equipment Donations/Assistance - new!  Camarillo Methodist Church - 805-491-1028

Business Forward VC: EDC Disaster Bridge Loan

General Recovery Information

Ventura County Fire Safe Council

Assistance with Utilities 

SCE Assistance Center

Ventura County Assessors Office - Damaged Property Tax Relief Form 

EDC SBDC: Consulting for Impacted Businesses

211 Now: Active Disaster Resource Tool

Ventura County Credit Union Emergency Loan Program

Edible Ojai & Ventura County Resources

Other Resources

Local Assistance Center 

The Local Assistance Center is now CLOSED.

If you need assistance with any of the resources below, please contact the Department or Agency directly.

We have provided phone numbers (where available) to assist you with connecting with each Department/Agency.

Other Resources

  • Ventura County Public Health Department - Mountain Fire HOTLINE: 805-465-6650
    • Information about health risks from smoke, ash, and debris
    • N95 masks available
  • Ventura County Behavioral Health - 805-477-5700
    • Information about coping with disasters
    • How to talk to kids about disasters
    • Information about available mental health resources
  • Agricultural Commissioner’s Office - 805-388-4343
    • Ag Damage Assessment Form
    • Ag Recovery Webinar Information
    • Ag Pass Program information
  • Economic Development Collaborative - 805-409-9159
  • County Assessors Office - 805-654-2181
    • Calamity Claim forms
    • Information on how to defer payment of property taxes
  • Ventura County Public Works Department - 805-654-2018
    • Erosion control information
    • Information about road and County infrastructure repair
  • Community Development/United Way Ventura County - 805-485-6288 x 233
    • Housing Assistance
  • Homelessness Services - 805-385-1800
    • Rent and move-in funding assistance for qualified applicants
  • Farmworker Resource Program - 805-385-1899
    • Wage loss assistance
    • Assistance with connecting to other services
  • Area of Aging Agency - 805-477-7300
    • Supportive services for older adults
  • CalFresh/CalWorks/MediCal - 877-328-9677
    • Assistance with access to food & medical services for qualified applicants
  • Los Robles Health Care
  • Ventura County Clerk Recorders Office - 805-654-2263
    • Access to Vital Records (can find/replace vital records on site)
  • Ventura County Fire Department -805-389-9738
    • Providing support for rebuilding
    • Information about permitting process for Fire Code
  • Ventura County Building and Safety 805-654-2771
    • Information about Building Permit process
  • Ventura County Environmental Health Department -805-654-2813
    • Information about debris and hazardous waste removal
  • Ventura County Planning and Zoning -805-654-2488
    • Information about Planning Permit process

Representatives:

  • Congressperson Julia Brownley - 805-379-1779
  • Supervisor Jeff Gorrell -805-214-2510
  • Supervisor Kelly Long -805-654-2276
  • City of Camarillo - 805-388-5300 x 123

Organizations on Site:

  • Red Cross
  • Salvation Army
  • Local Love Project
  • Southern Baptist Church
  • United Methodist Church
  • HOPE Program
  • and more

General Updates: Mountain Fire

Economic Development Collaborative: Disaster Bridge Loan Fund for Businesses Impacted by Mountain Fire

Post Date : November 20, 2024

Facing any natural, economic or civil disruption can leave businesses frustrated and out of resources. The Economic Development Collaborative understands the risks businesses face and is ready to provide access to capital and specialized, hands-on technical business assistance today.

The Disaster Bridge Loan Fund has been created to provide immediate financial support to small businesses impacted by the fires. If your business has been impacted by fire, smoke, reduced hours, product damage or otherwise, be sure to take advantage of all resources available to you. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance!

LOANS FROM $10,000 TO $25,000 NOW AVAILABLE AT JUST 7.5%!

Funding May be Used For:

  • Equipment and inventory purchases
  • Working capital

Terms & Eligibility: View the loan application for a full list of terms & eligibility

  • 36-month maximum loan term
  • For-profit small business located within the County of Ventura in operation on or before January 1, 2024
  • Borrower must be able to demonstrate repayment ability and acceptable credit history
  • Borrower must match loan amount 1:1
  • Minimum credit score of 625
  • No bankruptcy in the last 7 years
  • No derogatory credit in the last 12 months

CoLAB VC Updates: Mountain Fire

Update No 1

CoLAB VC, Farm Bureau of Ventura County, the Ag Commissioner, UCCE, VCRCD, USDA-FSA

This week, VC CoLAB, in partnership with the Farm Bureau of Ventura County, the Ag Commissioner, UCCE, VCRCD, USDA-FSA, and other organizations, co-hosted the first webinar in the Mountain Fire Ag Recovery Series.

Thomas Fire victims Rachael Kimball Laenen and Lisa Tate Soury shared several lessons learned from their recovery journeys. From adapting cultural practices to managing the complexities of insurance claims and rebuilding, their stories offered invaluable insight and practical advice to those facing similar challenges.

Missed this session? Click here to watch the recording.

And don’t miss the next meetings on Monday, November 18 (Zoom LinkHERE) and Friday, December 6, where we’ll continue to dive into recovery strategies and support for the Ventura County ag community.

Update No 2

CoLAB VC, Farm Bureau of Ventura County, the Ag Commissioner, UCCE, VCRCD, USDA-FSA

As the Mountain Fire continues to impact Ventura County, we want to help you access the resources and support needed to protect your operations, workers, and property. Our hearts are with all those affected, and we stand ready to help in any way possible.

In partnership with Farm Bureau Ventura County, the Ag Commissioner’s Office, UCCE, VCRCD, USDA-FSA, Thomas Fire survivors, and others, CoLAB is co-hosting a series of webinars for the agricultural community.

These sessions will provide important updates, provide a platform to ask questions, and create opportunities for collaboration and mutual support as we work together to recover and rebuild. Dates and sign-up information are provided below.

Update No 3

CoLAB VC, Farm Bureau of Ventura County, the Ag Commissioner, UCCE, VCRCD, USDA-FSA

Did you miss the 2nd session of the Mountain Fire Ag Recovery Webinar series, cohosted by VC CoLAB, Farm Bureau of Ventura County, and the Agricultural Commissioner's Office? Watch the replay HERE.

VCRCD, USDA-FSA, Ventura County Planning Department and Ventura County Environmental Health Division provided valuable information about the debris removal process and timeline, VCRCD assistance programs for crop replacement and erosion control, and USDA assistance programs.

Don’t miss the next meeting on Friday, December 6 (Zoom Link HERE), where we’ll continue to dive into recovery strategies and support for the Ventura County ag community.

Photos: Mountain Fire

Burned Home From the Mountain Fire in Camarillo

(CoLAB Member Credit)

Tiffany Hobelman leads Koshan from an enclosure at Swanhill Farms as the Mountain Fire burns in Moorpark, Calif., Nov. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

(AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Wind and Fire, Mountain Fire

(VC Star)

Aerial image of the Mountain Fire in Ventura County. Mountain Fire Resources, Mountain Fire Ventura County Disaster Resources

(Los Angeles Times)

Mountain-Fire-Smoke-Over-Farm-Fields-Ventura-1080x675

(EJ Harrison)

Horse next to boring mountain. Mountain Fire Resources, Mountain Fire Ventura County Disaster Resources

(ABC 10)

Home on Fire during the Mountain Fire in Camarillo CA.

(CoLAB Member Credit)

2p2

(Moorpark Acorn)

mountain-fire-3-gty-bb-241108_1731101122561_hpMain_16x9_992

(TOPSHOT)