Caldor Fire Rebuild
Project
Grizzly Flats
Title 25 Ordinance
Title 25 Ordinance Participants
HomeAid Sacramento’s Involvement
Builder Captains
Supporting Trades
Grizzly Flats, located in El Dorado County, had a population of 1,093 in 2020. On August 17, 2021, the Caldor Fire destroyed this community. Since then, many residents have been living in RVs on their homesites.
To alleviate the challenges homeowners face in rebuilding, El Dorado County established its Title 25 Limited Density Owner-Built Rural Dwelling Ordinance, and a local architect volunteered his time to develop plans for a modest 750-square-foot, 2-bedroom, 1-bath home. Homeowners would rely on volunteer labor to construct their homes at minimal cost.
There are twelve households participating in Title 25. These households include:
- an Air Force veteran who is being treated for cancer
- a family of eight
- a fourth-generation Grizzly Flats resident who built his family home with the help of friends and neighbors
- a disabled senior citizen whose father helped bring electricity, phones & paved roads to Grizzly Flats
El Dorado County approached HAS to assist with material donations to meet home-hardening requirements. HAS’s Executive Director, Amber Celmer, replied, “We can do better!”
A task force of building industry leaders was established to determine how best to support the rebuild efforts, and the resulting plan is to assist the 12 homeowners participating in the Title 25 Program who welcome the expertise and efficiency the industry brings. This is the first time HAS has supported the construction of single-family homes, in recognition that these households are at risk of homelessness.
HAS is collaborating with El Dorado County and two trusted, community-based nonprofit partners, South County Alliance and El Dorado Community Foundation.
Construction on six of the twelve homes begins in Q2 2026. Builder Captains Elliott Homes, NEXT Crafted, and USA Properties Fund will each lead the rebuild of two homes.
These organizations have pledged support for the rebuilds:
Kick Off Event
April 29, 2026
We celebrated the project’s kick-off at the El Dorado County Planning Committee Chambers. Speakers included Dr. John Taylor of South County Alliance; Karen Garner, Director of the Planning and Building Department; District II Supervisor George Turnboo; Grizzly Flats Resident/Title 25 Participant Susan Tyler; Amber Celmer; and Builder Captain Representative Price Walker of Elliott Homes.
The event ended with a ceremony in which participating homeowners placed three rocks, each inscribed with “Courage,” “Family,” and “Hope,” into a mason jar filled with dirt from their respective home sites. When their home rebuilds are completed, they will return the soil with the rocks to their lots.
