New York State has secured 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 action follows a review by the SBA, which determined that 59 businesses suffered major damage valued at over $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, commented on the situation: “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 said, “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 her support: “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 also highlighted local needs: “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 SBA disaster loans available include up to $500,000 for homeowners repairing their primary residence; up to $100,000 for homeowners or renters replacing damaged personal property; up to $2 million for business owners replacing real property or equipment; and Economic Injury Disaster Loans up to $2 million for businesses or non-profits needing working capital until normal operations resume.
Applications can be submitted online through 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 terrorism response as well as natural disasters such as fires.
Residents can sign up for emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111.
