FREDONIA, Arizona (KUTV) – Wildfires continue to burn across northern Arizona, prompting Coconino County officials to apply for a federal Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration through the Small Business Administration.
If approved by the governor, businesses in Coconino and surrounding areas may apply for low-interest federal loans. This comes as business owners in gateway communities like Kanab and Fredonia report sharp declines in revenue, fearing further impact in the fall, typically the region’s busy season.
Sherre Finicum, a fifth-generation rancher, shared her family’s ongoing recovery from the Mangum Fire five years ago, which necessitated selling half their cattle. “Having to basically give away really good, healthy mother cows and calves for rock bottom prices was a real financial setback,” she said. “Not to mention the setback in our operations as far as genetics,breeding,and producing efficient cows.”
This year, Finicum relocated her cattle to pastures not directly in the fire’s path. She anticipates the flames’ effects will linger long after they are extinguished. “The level of smoke is going to impact the calves’ gain,” Finicum stated, referencing the health impacts on cattle. “They’re also not in the best pasture, so it messes with my rotation,” she added. “It will definitely have an impact. I may not see it promptly this year, but it may bump down a few years.”
Her family also operates a small roadside rock-art business on the Arizona-Utah border. they noted their business drop-off as a snapshot of broader experiences. “My sales at my little lemonade stand have dropped about 75%,” Finicum reported during a community meeting hosted by the county.
At the meeting, other business owners voiced concerns about their businesses’ long-term health, acknowledging that the true impact might take years to manifest. Local officials indicated that if the submission is approved, an SBA team will visit the region to assist business owners in determining the viability of applying for a loan.This initiative could help stimulate economic recovery.
Though, multiple residents expressed a desire for policy reform beyond economic support. “I think there are policies in place that are actually detrimental,” Finicum stated. “I would hope the government would be aware of how their policies allow fires to grow bigger instead of stopping them earlier and now causing so much damage to the land, wildlife, and businesses.” Fredonia Mayor Don Johnson echoed this criticism.”This fire didn’t start last week or the week before,” Johnson said. “This fire started 20 years ago because of forest management. There’s probably more timber burnt in the last few days than has been sold of
Disclaimer: This content touches upon financial and economic matters related to disaster relief. It is not intended as financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor for personalized guidance.
What are your thoughts on the impact of wildfires on local businesses? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!