SANTA ROSA, Calif.—California wildfires that have now killed 26 people have impacted hundreds of credit union employees, with a number losing their homes.
The report comes from California and Nevada League sources who also indicated the league continues to assess the situation and reach out to credit unions in the affected areas to see if any need assistance.
Meanwhile NCUA said Thursday it is closely monitoring the situation, saying it stands ready to provide assistance to federally insured credit unions in the affected areas.
Currently there are 22 wildfires burning throughout the state and these fires continue to be a growing and persistent threat to homes and businesses. More than 170,000 acres have been burned and more than 3,500 homes and commercial structures have been destroyed already.
NCUA said it is tracking these fires closely, and the agency will monitor the conditions of credit unions in their path.
“Credit unions are encouraged to keep in contact with their examiners, and the agency will be ready to assist credit unions with maintaining or restoring operations, if necessary. The agency maintains a hurricane and disaster information page on its website with more material on preparedness, disaster recovery, and staying safe,” the agency said.
NCUA said that credit union members with questions may contact the NCUA’s Consumer Assistance Center at 800-755-1030 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET. The NCUA’s Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives can provide urgent needs grants of up to $7,500 to low-income credit unions that experience sudden costs to restore operations because of these fires. Agency examiners can assist credit unions that wish to apply for those grants, the agency explained.
Separately, CU Direct donated $25,000 to CUAid.coop, the National Credit Union Foundation disaster relief fund, to assist with disaster relief efforts for credit unions, members, and their families impacted by the ongoing California wildfires (for info: www.cuaid.coop).
“We are pleased to be able to contribute to the communities that have suffered losses,” stated Tony Boutelle, president and CEO of CU Direct. “We wish all the credit unions and their families the best as they recover from the devastation left by these wildfires.”