Julie Eng

Originally published in print and online at The Auburn Journal with the headline “Residents Vent Frustrations at Fire Follow-Up Meet”

Officials explain response to 49 Fire, services available to residents

Emotions ran high Tuesday night at an informational meeting for Auburn residents and other victims of the 49 Fire.

Representatives from the numerous agencies involved in fighting the fire and dealing with the aftermath were on hand to inform the community about how the fire started, how the different agencies responded, and what is being done to help victims return to a normal lifestyle.

Many members of the audience had lost their homes in the fire, and were given an chance to ask questions and voice their opinions.

Connie Krishner, whose house burned down in the fire on Sunday, was critical of Cal Fire’s actions in responding to the initial 911 calls, and was dissatisfied with the agency’s attempts to answer her questions at the meeting. She said Brad Harris, the Cal Fire’s representative, did not provide an adequate explanation.

“I did not feel … that they responded quick enough, and also they didn’t respond with enough engines,” she said. “When I asked him when the second engine arrived he said ‘about the same time.’ What does he mean ‘about?’ He didn’t say what time it arrived…”

Read the full story online at rosevillpt.com