LOS ANGELES – Members of the $191 million USC Credit Union will now be able to apply for emergency loans of up to $5,000 to help defray some of the expenses they might have incurred in the recent Southern California fires. "The Credit Union is a non-profit service corporation. We're here simply to benefit our members," said Gary Praz, USC CU's CEO. "If our members have a need, we should help them meet it." The wildfires burned 750,000 acres and destroyed 3,500 homes, the Los Angeles Times reported. To apply for the loan, applicants must have suffered damage to property, family injuries or loss of life. They must be eligible for USC CU membership, which includes students, faculty, staff and alumni of USC as well as other select employee groups. The loans are at the current prime interest rate level, with no rate change for 36 months and no repayment penalties.