The deadline for California wildfire survivors to register for federal assistance from FEMA and the SBA has been extended to Thursday January 31st. The previous deadline was this Friday. Grants from FEMA are available to homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the wildfires in Butte County. Nearly 26,000 applications from survivors of the mid-November fires in California have been received by FEMA so far. Disaster assistance may include grants to help homeowners and renters with temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and serious disaster-related needs. Disaster assistance grants are not taxable and will not affect eligibility for social security, medicare or other federal and state programs. Grants do not have to be repaid. In addition to FEMA grants, the Small Business Administration offers loans to businesses, homeowners and renters, which may cover repairs, rebuilding, and the cost of replacing lost or fire-damaged and personal property. Survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA disaster assistance, should register right away by calling 800-621-3362.