A few weeks ago, I sent a letter to Cal Fire urging them to stop the collection of state “Fire Prevention Fee” from victims of the Clover Fire in Shasta County and the Rim Fire in Tuolumne and Mariposa counties.
Last week, I finally heard back from Cal Fire.
In his response to my letter Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott stated, “the Fire Prevention Fee statute, as written, provides no authority for Cal Fire to waive fees due to the loss of structures from natural disasters of any kind, nor authority to provide refunds for victims under these circumstances.”
I am disappointed Cal Fire declined my request to halt billing to fire victims. That’s why I have asked local legislators to introduce urgency legislation to waive fees and provide refunds for fire victims who have lost their homes.
I also sent a letter to my constituents affected by the recent wildfires letting them know about my plan.
I hope the Legislature will step up and protect Californians in need.