Latest News
Jun 10, 2024
OPINION: FEMA must reform its recovery efforts to ensure true healing of the mind Copy Copy
As a mental health professional with personal connections to the people of New Mexico, I am no stranger to the profound impact that natural disasters like wildfires can have on individuals and communities.
May 21, 2024
Hermits Peak Calf Canyon wildfire victims in legal battle with FEMA
More than two years since a government-sparked wildfire took everything from victims in northern New Mexico, hundreds of those victims say the federal government is still failing them. KRQE Investigates visited the burn scar where families say they’re fighting another battle, this time with FEMA.
Apr 18, 2024
PRESS RELEASE: New Mexico Fire Victims Release Statement On Hiring Of New FEMA Claims Director
The Coalition for Fire Fund Fairness (CFFF) – a grassroots coalition of victims of the 2022 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon wildfire – today issued the following statement in response to the announcement of the hiring of Jay Mitchell to head the FEMA Claims Office.
Apr 11, 2024
Community comes together two years after fire changed their lives
In the two years since United States Forest Service agents started the largest wildfire in New Mexico history, the conversation around the event has shifted from the fire itself to the re-traumatizing of its victims who, as one FEMA official acknowledged on Monday, may never be made whole again.
Apr 9, 2024
PRESS RELEASE: Wildfire Victim Heartbreak, FEMA Failures Take Focus on Two-Year Anniversary of New Mexico Wildfire
Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon wildfire victims commemorated second anniversary of fire with documentary screening and discussion about path forward for recovery process
Victims were joined by NM Lt. Governor Howie Morales, former NM Attorney General Hector Balderas, and FEMA Assistant Administrator Colt Hagmaier
Mar 16, 2024
It’s time for FEMA to let New Mexicans to take over fire recovery process
With almost $4 billion in the bank and thousands of claims to be processed, FEMA has the opportunity to reset the process – a restart in the spirit of the Easter season – which, so far, has been too bureaucratic and delivered too little money
Mar 14, 2024
STATEMENT: FEMA Wildfire Compensation Rules Fail To Follow New Mexico Law, According To New Opinion By NM Attorney General
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez issues opinion finding that, per New Mexico law, “damages are available to compensate nuisance and trespass plaintiffs for annoyance, discomfort, and inconvenience.”
Mar 1, 2024
Northern NM fire victims will be spared additional taxes under provision approved by Legislature
Those who hired lawyers to help them get compensation for losses to the biggest wildfire in state history won’t have to worry about additional taxes on legal services if Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signs the tax package sent to her by lawmakers last month.
Feb 23, 2024
Record-Setting Blazes Are Growing More Common. Here’s What Survivors of One Want You to Know.
When the federal government accidentally triggered New Mexico’s largest wildfire, hundreds of people lost their homes and livelihoods. They have become reluctant students of forest management, disaster aid and resiliency.
Feb 22, 2024
Locals protest, demand answers at Mora Town Hall
A Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office town hall meeting at Mora High School’s lecture hall on Feb. 13 kicked off with a protest, and many in the crowd that packed the venue continued to vent their anger and frustration as the meeting unfolded.