Rebuilding with Low Funding Following the California Camp Fire

The California Camp Fire has caused some of the worst devastation compared to any other wildfire that took place in California over the years. Many people are finding it extremely difficult to move forward with their claims as they rebuild and try to find the positivity in their lives after they have suffered so many losses. Especially in the town of Paradise, where the entire town was burned to the ground and thousands of people lost their homes, many wonder if they will ever return to the life they once lived before.

Yesterday, information from the President’s office revealed that wildfire relief that was given by FEMA could potentially be cut due to federal legislators and their mismanagement of funds. This is not the first time that it has been threatened that the state of California could lose finding unless they came up with ways to prevent wildfires that take the lives of many and cause other destructing results such as personal injuries and the destruction of many homes. Now, it is perceived that many California wildfires happen due to the environmental regulations that prevent management from occurring.

Sadly, with these announcements comes the reality that many people might lose funding as they attempt to move forward and rebuild. Survivors of the Camp Fire, altogether to this date, have received around $56 million for rebuilding from FEMA and will hopefully continue to receive these amounts so that they can move forward.

Rebuilding in California: Is It Possible?  

How will many people not only rebuild but ensure that, following this rebuild, they will be able to prevent the wildfire from sweeping out entire homes once again? Greg Bolin, Paradise’s vice mayor, stated that he is going to do whatever it takes to ensure that all homes built from now forward will be built to California’s state fire codes. Unfortunately, in the 60s when many of the homes were built in California, they were constructed from wood and when the fires burst through, they burned more quickly to the ground. Now, buildings in Paradise and many other parts of California could see better building materials being used as well as ventilation systems that will help houses become so much safer.

One of the biggest risks to homes in this area is also the fact that trees tend to be placed around the area of buildings. This makes it difficult for fire to reach any homes and businesses as it rapidly spreads, as it did in the Camp Fire, burning down acres upon acres as wind speeds sped up.

At this time, the investigation into the Camp Fire continues, but it is still likely that PG&E will be found liable. Many people have fears about the outcome of their cases as they realize that it could be many months or even years in the future when they receive the income they need to move forward. The adverse effects of the Camp Fire can be exhausting to you and your family, but we want you to know that we are here for you at the Marlene Leiva Law Group. The Camp Fire has now been deemed the costliest wildfire in California history, which means that many people will struggle financially until they receive the compensation they deserve. We will ensure that you receive a maximum amount of damages moving forward. Contact us for more information today at 415-459-7300.