New York State has obtained a Physical Disaster Declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for Westchester County and neighboring counties Putnam, Rockland, and Bronx following a fire in Mount Vernon on November 23, 2025. According to a federal review, the fire damaged 88 apartments with losses exceeding $1.8 million.
Governor Kathy Hochul said, “My heart goes out to all those impacted by this tragic fire, and my Administration is committed to supporting the Mount Vernon community as they continue to recover. That is why I secured federal relief for New Yorkers impacted by the November 23rd fire, and this designation is vital to helping the recovery efforts of homeowners, renters and business owners in this area.”
The SBA disaster declaration makes low-interest loans available for various groups:
– Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to repair their primary residence.
– Homeowners and renters can access up to $100,000 for personal property replacement or repairs.
– Business owners are eligible for up to $2 million for replacing real property and other physical losses.
– Businesses and non-profits may also apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million.
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray stated, “A fire of this scale is devastating at any time, but especially this time of year. It’s critical that New Yorkers have access to the support they need to recover, and these loans will go a long way in making that happen. Thanks to Governor Hochul and our federal partners for working to ensure these resources are available.”
Applications can be submitted online via the MySBA Loan Portal or at local locations announced later. The deadline for physical disaster loan applications is February 17, 2026; economic injury loan applications are due by September 16, 2026.
Senator Charles Schumer commented, “The Small Business Administration’s disaster designation means that Westchester families and business owners can get the assistance they desperately need after last month’s devastating fire in Mount Vernon. I am grateful for Governor Hochul’s work helping New York families get back on their feet and will always fight to deliver federal resources to help New Yorkers.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand added, “It is critical that homeowners, renters, and small businesses in Westchester and contiguous counties have access to the federal support and funding they need to recover after November’s devastating fire. 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.”
Representative George Latimer said, “As victims of the fire in Mount Vernon – in a location one block away from where I once lived – work to rebuild and recover, it is critical that partners across all levels of government work to address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I understand the incredible value of Small Business Administration disaster assistance in making our communities whole again. This declaration is an example of the federal government fulfilling its promise to support disaster victims, and I commend Governor Hochul and our local officials for their partnership in making this assistance available.”
Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said: “My heart is with the 102 families who lost their homes in the five-alarm fire this past November. I want to thank Governor Hochul for securing this disaster designation, which will provide critical relief for Mount Vernon residents as they work to rebuild their lives. This support ensures that families can access the help they need during an incredibly difficult time and reflects a strong commitment to standing with our community throughout the recovery process.”
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services coordinates statewide efforts related to terrorism response as well as natural disasters such as fires.
Residents seeking emergency alerts can enroll by texting their county or borough name to 333111 or visit dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts.