Federal disaster loans approved for Boyle Heights fire victims

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration for California, making low-interest federal loans available to eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations. This assistance follows the June 2026 Boyle Heights warehouse fire, also referred to as the Los Palos incident, which caused significant economic disruption in Los Angeles.

The declaration, requested by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, covers Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties. Through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, affected entities—including small agricultural cooperatives and faith-based organizations—can access funding to meet essential costs, retain workers, and manage financial losses directly related to the fire.

Business owners seeking assistance must navigate underwriting standards that typically require proof of physical damage or substantial economic injury. The funding is intended to help stabilize organizations facing liquidity issues, compressed operating margins, and supply chain disruptions resulting from the disaster.