Went to a wedding today. Was talking with a relative who is an active duty firefighter in East Tennessee. The rumors are true.

Me: Why aren’t you here and not out helping the flood victims?

Firefighter: We came home because they wouldn’t let us help.

Me: What do you mean they wouldn’t let you help?

Firefighter: We were handing out water when a call came in about a collapsed house with someone inside. Our incident commander went to the FEMA incident commander and said “we got chainsaws and other rescue equipment, let us help.” The FEMA commander said “No, we got this, why don’t you go home”

Another example:

Firefighter: My brother works at a tree cutting service and they loaded up a bobcat and some other equipment and they were turned back at a closed road. “Hey buddy we can clear that road for you so people can get down the mountain.” FEMA: “No thanks, we got it covered.”

Two first hand accounts from

qualified professionals being turned away.

IDK what’s going on, but there is definitely some fuckery happening.