Pennsylvania County Declared Disaster Area after Fire

The federal government has declared a disaster area in the suburban Philadelphia county where an apartment fire displaced hundreds of people.

Gov. Ed Rendell says Wednesday’s decision to call Montgomery County a disaster area means victims of the Aug. 13 Conshohocken blaze may now apply for low-interest loans. The loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration will help pay to repair damages to personal possessions and buildings.

Loans of up to $40,000 are permitted to repair or replace personal property not covered by insurance. Business owners can borrow up to $2 million.