Financial relief available to businesses impacted by Dragon Bravo, White Sage fires

PHOENIX — Businesses in northern Arizona will begin to find some financial relief after two Arizona wildfires have been wreaking havoc since early July.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) made “low-interest loans” available for private nonprofits and other eligible businesses affected by the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires, the Office of the Arizona Governor announced.

Those eligible for relief are found in the following counties/tribal land:

• Coconino
• Gila
• Mohave
• Navajo
• Yavapai
• Navajo Nation
• Hopi Tribe
• Havasupai Tribe
• Hualapai Tribe
• San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe

All businesses can apply for a loan online and must do so by May 18, 2026 to earn the funding.

The pair of wildfires were declared a disaster by the SBA also on Tuesday.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a press release that she is “grateful” for the support of SBA after recently advocating for “federal coordination” in Washington D.C.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of Arizona’s economy,” Hobbs said. “Recent wildfires have taken a devastating toll on North Rim communities and businesses, creating financial hardship and putting livelihoods in jeopardy. Arizonans who work hard and provide jobs to our neighbors should know that we have their back.”

As of Wednesday’s latest reports, Dragon Bravo is 62% contained at 145,500 acres burned and White Sage is 95% and stopped expanding on July 27. Both wildfires were started by lightning strikes.

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