Lower North Fork Fire Residents ask: Why no state help?

Wildfire Legislative Proposals
By Bente Birkeland
January 27, 2014

Helping prevent and fight wildfires is one of the top priorities for Colorado lawmakers in both parties this session. But so far, substantial policy changes recommended by the Governor’s wildfire task force are being rejected. As Bente Birkeland reports, the current package of legislative proposals is not nearly as aggressive as some would like.

I'm so sorry to hear this is still dragging on. Please let us know if there's anything else we can do to support you, you have it 100% and then some!

I would be remiss in not recognizing a terrible anniversary today. My heart, and hope, continues to be with you all in your struggle. I wish you strength, perseverance, and peace through your continued trials, and grief.

My heart hurts for our neighbors, my friends, they are again denied closure, and justice, from the wrong-doing by this state.

From Denver Channel 7: Board recommends payments to Lower North Fork Fire victims; wrongful death not factored in
Amanda Kost, Eric Lupher, Phil Tenser
6:11 AM, Apr 8, 2014
Updated 7 mins ago

https://www.facebook.com/Amanda7News/po ... 1100699166 - Video of Scott Appel speaking

"Make it right, please."
Scott Appel's reaction to State Claims Board recommendation:

Yes, erring on the side of caution and listening to your gut is always good generally speaking.

As to this matter however, both the Lucas's and Ann Appel was packing to get out; the Lucas's were hit by a 60 mile an hour fire front that was burning at over 2,000 degrees, we had an inadequate and flawed reverse 9/11 system, and many other complications. But this fire was not a naturally caused fire - it was deliberately set and deliberately left unattended during dangerous conditions; they should not have had to lose their lives. The survivors should not have had to go through hell the past 2 years to gain restitution for lost income, lost property values, lost homes, lost loved ones, medical bills, etc. The state was negligent, retroactively granted immunity to itself and its workers who started this fire, and then have cost us taxpayers millions in attorneys fees fighting this when they should've done the right thing in the first place and paid damages so that our neighbors could rebuild their lives.

Considering that prescribed burns are still going on, how are we going to feel when the next one gets out of control and the state refuses to take responsibility for its actions? This isn't about evacuating properly, this is about trusting our elected representatives to be fair, honorable, and trustworthy and do the right thing. We need to stand together or this will happen again and we cannot allow those in our government who would try to get away with it.