Ashwood Apartment Fire Declared A Disaster

NORTH COVENTRY TOWNSHIP, PA — A terrible fire that left 45 households displaced, completely destroying the Ashwood Apartments on July 31, has been designated a disaster.

People left without a home after the devastating fire are now eligible for low interest federal loans.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said today that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved his request to declare a disaster in Chester County after the July 31 fire destroyed dozens of homes in North Coventry Township.

"Many people living in the Ashwood Apartment building lost everything they own," said Governor Wolf. "The availability of low-interest loans provides a glimmer of hope for people who right now might desperately need it."

Homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the Chester County fire, as well as neighboring counties of Berks, Delaware, Lancaster and Montgomery, may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans through the SBA Disaster Loan Programs.

Low-interest loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. SBA regulations permit loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property, including vehicles.

In accordance with health precautions for the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the SBA will not establish a physical Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in the community to assist applicants. However, SBA will continue to provide first class customer service and conduct outreach virtually with webinars, skype calls, phone assistance and step-by-step application assistance.

SBA has opened a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center (VDLOC) to help survivors apply online at the SBA’s secure website.