New York State has obtained a Physical Disaster Declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for Kings County and the neighboring counties of Queens, Richmond, and New York. This declaration follows a review by the SBA, which found that 59 businesses suffered significant damage—valued at more than $9 million—due to a fire that began in a Red Hook warehouse on September 17, 2025.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “No homeowner, renter or business owner should face the devastation of a major fire without support. By securing a Physical Disaster Declaration, we are ensuring that the Red Hook community and surrounding businesses that sustained major fire damage have access to the financial resources needed to make repairs, recover, and resume normal operations following this disaster.”
Jackie Bray, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, said, “September’s five alarm fire in Red Hook devastated small businesses and the surrounding community. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul, New York was able to secure critical recovery funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration so the neighborhood can build back better and thrive once again.”
Representative Nydia M. Velázquez commented, “As Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, I know how hard it is for a small business or family to recover after a disaster like the Red Hook fire. Dozens of local businesses suffered major damage, and many are still struggling to rebuild. This SBA designation will give entrepreneurs, homeowners, and renters access to affordable capital so they can make repairs and move forward. I was proud to work with Governor Hochul to secure this assistance, and I’ll keep pushing to make sure our communities have the support they need to fully recover.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand added, “Small businesses and the community in Red Hook deserve access to federal support and funding to recover after this September’s devastating five-alarm fire,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I joined Governor Hochul in advocating for this critical assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration, and I will continue working to deliver the federal resources communities across our state need in the wake of disasters.”
State Senator Andrew Gounardes said, “Red Hook is home to artists, small business owners, and hardworking New Yorkers from all walks of life. The September fire caused millions of dollars in damages, and our neighbors deserve support as they work to rebuild their businesses and their lives. These SBA loans will be a lifeline for Red Hook as we rebuild, and I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for her work to secure this crucial funding.”
The disaster declaration allows homeowners affected by the fire to apply for up to $500,000 in loans for primary residence repairs; both homeowners and renters may seek up to $100,000 for damaged or destroyed personal property; business owners can apply for up to $2 million for real property replacement including inventories or equipment; while both businesses and non-profits may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans up to $2 million until regular operations resume.
Applications can be submitted online through the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov/ or at other locally announced locations. The deadline for physical loan applications is January 13, 2026; economic injury loan applications are due by August 14, 2026.
The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services coordinates statewide efforts related to emergency response—including fires—and provides information via its Facebook page or website at dhses.ny.gov.
Residents can receive emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111 or learning more at dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts.
