PARADISE, Calif.–Credit unions across large areas of Northern and Southern California today are again dealing with hugely destructive wildfires that in some cases remain largely out of control. By sad coincidence, the fires broke out last week on the same day two CEOs whose CUs are in the fire zones were leading a session on lessons learned in disaster recovery during the California/Nevada leagues’ REACH Conference in Hollywood, Calif. CUToday.info has expanded coverage of the advice those CEOs shared here.
Three different major wildfires are burning in the state, having charred more than 200,000 acres in total so far with at least 31 people dead as a result and more than 100 others reported missing. At press time, no credit union facilities are known to have been physically damaged, but the widescale destruction of homes and businesses certainly means employees and members will be deeply affected.
Sierra Central Credit Union has closed its office until further notice in hard-hit Paradise, Calif., where much of the city and its structures have been devastated. SCCU said its Oroville and Chico, Calif., offices remain open.
Members 1st Credit Union, which also has an office 30 miles from Paradise in Chico, Calif., that is open, said it is offering financial assistance to members, including discounted unsecured signature loans, credit card limit increases, discounted auto and RV loans along with payment deferrals, loan and card payment relief, and other programs.
The Camp Fire, which began near Paradise approximately 90 miles north of Sacramento, has destroyed more than 6,700 structures. The Woolsey Fire, which is burning in Los Angeles and Ventura counites, has led to a mandatory evacuation of Malibu, while the Hill Fire, also in Southern California, is partially contained in Ventura County.
Smoke from the fires, in some cases heavy enough to prompt unhealthy air quality alerts, can be seen or smelled from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
California Gov. Jerry Brown is requesting a "major disaster declaration" from the president. If granted, the declaration would make individuals eligible for crisis counseling, housing and unemployment help, and legal aid.
A Red Flag Warning, which denotes a high risk of wildfire, has been extended in California until Tuesday due to ongoing strong winds and dry conditions.