El Dorado County (Dec 4 2023) – In a desperate plea for support, residents and public officials from El Dorado County have turned to President Biden, seeking help for the victims of the destructive Caldor Fire that swept through Grizzly Flats last year. The call is underscored by a poignant video featuring survivors who lost their homes and businesses in the inferno.
The emotional video release comes in the wake of a surprising decision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to deny individual assistance to Grizzly Flats residents. This denial has left victims stunned, especially considering personal assurances of aid from President Biden in the aftermath of the fire.
Supervisor George Turnboo expressed the collective sentiment of the county, stating, “Our whole county feels betrayed.” Turnboo is urging President Biden to intervene and reverse FEMA’s denial, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
FEMA, in its response, acknowledged the approval of Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Assistance but asserted that the impact on individuals and households did not meet the criteria for the Individual Assistance program. According to Turnboo, this determination was influenced by a needs assessment that skewed toward wealthier parts of the county, painting an incomplete picture of the widespread devastation.
Kris Ancarlo, reporting for KCBS Radio, highlighted that both senators and members of California’s congressional delegation are joining the chorus, urging President Biden to overturn FEMA’s decision. The plea reflects a bipartisan call for a reevaluation of the denial in light of the genuine and widespread need among Grizzly Flats residents who are grappling with the aftermath of the Caldor Fire.
As the community reels from this unexpected setback, the spotlight is now on the Biden administration to address the cries for help and ensure that assistance reaches those who have lost their homes and livelihoods in the wake of one of California’s most destructive wildfires. The unfolding situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities in the aftermath of natural disasters and the critical role of federal assistance in rebuilding lives.
