Feds Approve $20 Million For Victims Of California Wildfires

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Federal authorities have approved more than $20 million in disaster aid for victims of two massive wildfires that devastated parts of Northern California this summer.

The amount includes more than $10 million in low-interest loans by the Small Business Administration to businesses and residents.

The two fires, started days apart in September, burned more than 200 square miles and killed six people. The fire in Lake County, about 90 miles north of San Francisco, destroyed nearly 2,000 structures, including some 1,300 homes.

The other fire burned mostly through Calaveras County, about 125 miles northeast of San Francisco, and destroyed nearly 500 homes.

Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved nearly $10 million for housing and other assistance.

More than 3,500 people have registered with the federal government for help.