The IRS has announced new disaster relief efforts aimed at helping millions of wildfire victims on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in eastern Arizona.

The fire, which raged from July 10 to 17, led to the evacuation of over 400 residents and prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency. The fire burned 2,162 hectares of land, destroyed at least 21 homes and left many more without power. Officials arrested a man in July on suspicion of setting the fire.

The man, identified as 22-year-old Keanu Dude, is believed to be a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.

According to an announcement from the IRS, affected taxpayers now have until February 3, 2025 to complete their taxes without penalties.

This applies to any tax deadlines or payments originally due on or after July 10, 2024. However, if someone owed taxes before April 15, 2024, those payments will not be eligible for the extension because they were due before the disaster occurred. Therefore, only deadlines that began after the wildfire will be extended.

“Individuals and households who live or operate a business in this area are eligible for tax relief,” an IRS press release said.

Due dates covered by the relief include quarterly estimated income tax payments that would have been due on September 16 and January 15, as well as quarterly payroll and excise tax returns that were originally due on July 31, October 31 and January 31 were.

This comes after President Joe Biden approved federal disaster assistance for victims of the fire last week.

The aid will include grants for temporary housing and building repairs, the White House said in a press release.

Some residents may also be eligible for small loans to cover uninsured losses. The San Carlos Apache Tribe and private nonprofit organizations will also receive financial assistance, distribution of which will be administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“What we really need going forward are millions of dollars in monetary donations that will be used to rebuild homes, vehicles, critical infrastructure and landscapes damaged by the rapidly spreading fire,” said Terry Rambler, chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, in July.

The Watch Fire was the worst structure fire on the reservation in at least 30 years. No injuries or deaths were reported. It is believed that a thunderstorm and strong winds caused the fire to spread quickly.

The tribe requested disaster relief from the state and federal governments. In response, Gov. Katie Hobbs sent $400,000 from the Joint Heat Relief Initiative to support the tribal community and provide resources.

“I am proud to provide this emergency assistance to the tribal, county and local governments affected by the Watch Fire and will continue to work to provide assistance to Arizonans affected by natural disasters. But I know we need more support. I support the.” “The San Carlos Apache Tribe has asked the federal government for a major disaster declaration so that FEMA can provide critical assistance to local communities during this fire season,” Hobbs said in July.