FEMA officials are concerned that some residents are avoiding the process because they think it will be too difficult. FEMA has been working to streamline the paperwork to make it easier for fire victims, he said. More than 400 families were left homeless after the blaze. Despite widespread criticism of the Park Service in the wake of the fire, many in Los Alamos today are simply grateful the blaze did not do more damage. No one died and only three people were injured.
Residents give credit to firefighters and rescue workers, who responded immediately.
To mark the anniversary of the fire, FEMA Director Joe Allbaugh sent a letter last week to Los Alamos residents and to the editor of the local newspaper. I promise that we will continue to improve the process to better meet the needs of fire survivors. I hope everyone will continue to let us know where improvements are needed, to help us be more efficient and fair.