LOWER LAKE >> U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-3rd District) traveled to Lower Lake this weekend to visit areas damaged by the Clayton Fire. He was joined by Lake County Supervisor Rob Brown. They discussed ongoing response and cleanup efforts.
During the visit, Garamendi also introduced ideas that would help rural communities like Lake County receive more support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Over the last 15 months, Lake County has experienced four major wildfires, but only one of these received a disaster declaration by FEMA, which is needed to unlock much of America’s emergency response resources.
The Clayton Fire did not receive a disaster declaration, despite destroying around 200 structures. Current law often works to the disadvantage of rural communities in heavily populated states, according to FEMA spokesperson Donald Lathbury. Garamendi thinks it makes sense that any community devastated by four major fires during 15 months should be allocated federal disaster relief assistance.
“This firsthand exposure to the devastation caused by the Clayton Fire gives me information that will be helpful to convince my colleagues in Congress that disaster relief reform is needed. I want to thank Supervisor Rob Brown for his incredible work helping our constituents,” Garamendi said. “Congress should be able to come together to proactively help rural communities that are suffering from natural disasters.”
In the immediate aftermath of the Clayton Fire, congressmen Garamendi and Mike Thompson alerted Lake County residents to Small Business Administration loans available to homeowners, businesses and nonprofits impacted by the fire. The filing deadline to report damage is Nov. 7.
