Governor Jerry Brown, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke tour town decimated by Camp Fire
PARADISE, Calif. (KGO) -- Flanked by local, state and federal officials, California Governor Jerry Brown toured the decimated Paradise Elementary school in the heart of a town virtually wiped out by the Campfire.
The Governor asked a few questions, and after driving past hundreds of fire-ravaged homes he talked about what's just the latest and worst example of what Brown calls "California's new normal".
CAMP FIRE: Before and after photos show wildfire devastation
"We're in for very difficult times. This will never be the same. And I think now is the time for solidarity and understanding."
Despite tweets earlier this week from President Trump threatening to cut off federal funding to California, FEMA Administrator Brock Long said he and others heard a different message directly from the President Wednesday.
"About an hour ago, President Trump spoke with both me and Sec. Zinke of the Department of the Interior and his message is to take care of people-- and that's exactly what we're here to do."
Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke deflected questions about Mr. Trump's claim that the fires are due to California's alleged mismanagement of its forests-- which are predominantly owned by the federal government.
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"I don't want to finger point. I want to look at how we go from here."
With the daunting images of so much destruction fresh in his mind, the Governor did not want to discuss allegations that a PG & E transmission line might have started the Camp Fire.
"I'm not gonna-- that's a legal matter. We have the most expensive lawyers in the world that will argue it out in exquisite detail."
VIDEO: Family's escape from Camp Fire in Paradise
