Timely wildfire loss data supports rapid recovery for residents, businesses in northern California

Starting on Aug. 15, 2023, the Smith River Complex fires burned almost 100,000 acres in Del Norte County in northern California. The lightning-sparked fires knocked out the main power line to the small, rural county. On average, residents and businesses were without power for six days. Property burned and food spoiled.

To help the community recover some economic losses, University of California Cooperative Extension immediately began surveying businesses and residents to collect data on losses from the wildfire and lack of electricity. The survey, available in English and Spanish, was distributed in person and publicized in the local news.

Ultimately, 377 individuals and 156 businesses responded to the survey, an astounding response rate for a county of 28,100 people.

The survey revealed that all industries were losing an average of 70.2% of revenue daily. Lodging and camping businesses were losing 81.2% of their business since the fires started. The combined lodging, retail and restaurant sector’s daily losses were $95,100. Residents reported an average of $1,790.47 in economic injury from the fires and subsequent power outages. Del Norte County’s gross median monthly income is $2,059, so for residents nearly one month of income had gone up in smoke.

Fifteen days after the wildfires began, UC Cooperative Extension published wildfire loss data from more than 500 businesses and residents. Less than 10 weeks later, based on that timely data, the Small Business Administration issued a disaster declaration, making loans with up to 30-year terms and between 4% and 2.75% interest available to Del Norte County businesses and nonprofits. The timely data accelerated residents’ access to relief assistance.

Project supported by state and Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. Photo courtesy Chris Harper, Del Norte Search and Rescue.