The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Idaho can apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to address losses incurred due to the Gwen Fire that occurred last year.

The fire, which affected 29,000 acres near Juliaetta, resulted in the destruction of nearly 150 structures between July 24 and August 9, 2024. Affected businesses and nonprofits have until August 22, 2025, to apply for these loans.

The disaster declaration includes the counties of Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, and Nez Perce in Idaho, as well as Wallowa County in Oregon and Asotin and Whitman Counties in Washington.

The SBA stated that these loans are designed to assist eligible small businesses and private nonprofits in covering operational expenses following a disaster.