Carmen Herrarte, director general for SMEs, self-employed workers, domestic trade and consumer affairs, explained that the aid is intended to support small business owners who have had to temporarily close their businesses, repair facilities or cope with falling revenues. "The fires have been put out, but their economic consequences have not disappeared," Herrarte said, stressing the need to provide resources so those affected can return to work normally.
WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE AID COVER?
The grants cover various expenses directly caused by the fires. These include the repair of buildings and facilities, the purchase of machinery or furniture to replace damaged items, and the replacement of lost products and materials. They also cover cleaning, ash and waste removal, decontamination and the preparation of affected premises for use.
In addition to material damage, the aid also covers lost income from businesses that had to close, suspend or reduce their operations because of the fires, provided they meet the requirements of the program. In this way, the Government of Aragon aims to compensate both for damage caused by the flames and for the economic consequences suffered by businesses.
Herrarte stressed that the damage does not end when the flames are extinguished. "An SME or a self-employed worker does not only lose what the fire may destroy. They also lose every day they cannot open, every sale they fail to make and every week in which their activity is affected," she explained. She also highlighted the importance of these businesses in maintaining employment and services in Aragon's municipalities.
HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY FOR THE AID
Self-employed workers and small and medium-sized businesses that meet the requirements of the program may submit their applications through Monday, October 19, inclusive. The procedure must be completed electronically through the Government of Aragon's online office, using procedure 11932, corresponding to the aid regulated by Order ECE/1370/2026.
