We want to share the following news release from Larimer County regarding recovery from the Cameron Peak Fire:
FEMA Major Disaster Declaration Approved:
Larimer County has been partially approved for a Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] Major Disaster Declaration and program funding due to the
Cameron Peak Fire.
Next, Larimer County Emergency Management will meet with the Larimer County Board of Commissioners for specific projects and programs.
Programs that have been approved thus far by the declaration include the FEMA Public Assistance Program that will help with public infrastructure damages
---- public roads, bridges, water infrastructure, and debris removal:
- Hazardous tree removal, which includes the removal of hazardous trees on roadways and trails that could fall and cause injury, block access, or cause
property damage. There are some restrictions to this program.
- Right-of-way debris removal is also included in this program and might include additional dumpster placement around burn areas for debris removal pending
Board of Larimer County Commissioner approval.
- The FEMA Hazard Mitigation Program allows public entities to apply for funding intended to upgrade infrastructure to lessen future damage to communities
from a fire or flood.
Larimer County has also applied for funding through the Individual Assistance Program to provide direct assistance to residents who have lost primary
residences from the fire or are underinsured or uninsured. The Individual Assistance Program request is currently pending a decision by FEMA.
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Recovery programs begin work:
Larimer County continues to move forward with recovery in 2021 by partnering with the Natural Resource Conservation Service [NRCS] with the Emergency
Watershed Protection Program. The county has contracted with NRCS to perform emergency work on waterways and drainage designed to protect property and people from excessive runoff caused by the fire
due to snowmelt and rain.
A risk assessment is also underway as a companion document to the U.S. Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response Assessment. The assessment will help
determine where work is needed to mitigate flooding and debris flows. During the spring, suppression repairs will continue for the repair of dozer lines and handlines by using heavy equipment and
emergency services personnel; property owners must give their permission for this work to continue.
Thanks and stay safe!