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2007 Wildfire Survivors Get A Break

A break for some San Diego County residents who lost their homes in last October's wildfires. Fire survivors don't have to move out of temporary shelter on their property next week. KPBS Environmental

2007 Wildfire Survivors Get A Break

A break for some San Diego County residents who lost their homes in last October's wildfires. Fire survivors don't have to move out of temporary shelter on their property next week. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

County officials told 366 fire survivors they don't have to worry about next Tuesday's deadline that could have forced them out of temporary trailers on their property.

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The county won't enforce its 1-year deadline on emergency permits.

The permits allowed survivors to live in temporary trailers and shelters on their land after the 2007 fires destroyed their homes.

The extension is a relief for Fallbrook resident Sydney Vanzee and her husband.

She says they've used the permit to live in a 34-foot trailer on their property.

Vanzee: We were underinsured and because our insurance company has been most unpleasant, it's just one more thing that we don't have to deal with right now.

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She says they hope to submit rebuilding plans soon.

A year is typically enough time for people to obtain a permit.

But County officials say fire survivors have needed more time to settle insurance claims.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.

 

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