Rep. Kiley Appeals to President Biden to Fulfill His Commitment to Provide Relief for Caldor Fire Victims
At the White House today, Rep. Kiley spoke to President Biden to request that he fulfill his promise to provide relief to victims of the Caldor Fire. On September 13th, 2021, after surveying damage with Governor Newsom, President Biden pledged “we’re going to take care of them… there’s a lot we can do, and it starts off being a federal responsibility, in my view.” One year later, President Biden has yet to keep that promise by providing federal assistance under FEMA’s individual assistance program to the hundreds of individuals who lost their homes, their livelihoods, and their community.
“To the residents of Grizzly Flats, you are not forgotten,” said Rep. Kiley. “I will do everything in my power to secure the same federal aid that was provided to victims of similarly destructive wildfires, and I call on President Biden to immediately fulfill his promise of assistance. With the stroke of a pen, he can finally give victims of the Caldor Fire the relief they deserve.”
Background: In August 2021, the Caldor Fire tore through El Dorado, Alpine, and Amador counties, levelling the town of Grizzly Flats and destroying almost 800 homes. Over 20,000 Californians fell under mandatory evacuation orders and by the time the blaze was extinguished, it was recorded as the 15th largest and 16th most destructive wildfire in California’s recorded history. Following the fire, President Biden surveyed the damage wrought and made a solemn commitment to take care of those who lost everything. Although that promise remains unfulfilled one year later, President Biden still retains the power to unilaterally provide assistance and Rep. Kiley will continue to advocate for the victims to receive the compensation they deserve.