Members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation are criticizing federal emergency managers for missing deadlines as residents seek help recovering after the largest wildfire in the state’s recorded history.
It’s been a year since the US Forest Service sparked a fire after two prescribed burning operations intended to clear dead and overgrown vegetation were damaged. Hundreds of homes have been destroyed along with the livelihoods of many rural residents who are now bracing for another season of flooding after the fire.
US Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández and US Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján wrote in a letter sent Wednesday to FEMA and the US Department of Homeland Security that the agencies should end regulations for providing nearly $4 million in recovery funds to families and business.
Without the final rules, they say justice for victims has been delayed, resulting in confusion and uncertainty among residents.
Lawmakers also say FEMA doesn’t have too many self-imposed deadlines, and that deepens community trust.
“Every day that goes by without compensation to victims delays their ability to start over after losing so much,” the letter said. “We ask that you put yourself in the shoes of those who have been waiting more than a year after the fire started.”
FEMA opened its regional claims offices to the public in recent weeks, and its director, Angela Gladwell, promised that her staff “will be here until the job is done and every claimant receives the payment they deserve.”
Regional FEMA officials did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment about the letter to lawmakers or the timing of the finalization of the regulations.
New Mexico officials indicated the delay is related to reconsidering provisions dealing with compensation for trees burned on private property and compensation for hazard reduction. They argue that the language is a deterrent from a different disaster affecting suburban homes, not a forest-based economy.
“We reiterate the importance of removing these caps. It is very important that our communities can begin to restore their lands and begin mitigation efforts to protect their homes and properties from future flooding or fire,” the letter read.
Leger Fernández and the two senators asked that FEMA and Homeland Security provide an update, saying many victims do not have permanent homes and the expected flooding this summer will worsen the situation.
Fire danger also remains high in parts of New Mexico despite above-average snowpack at higher elevations. Red flag warnings prompted by strong winds and dry conditions were issued for much of the state Wednesday, as crews battled wildfires around Mora and Sapello near the burn scar as well in other parts of New Mexico.
The National Park Service on Wednesday canceled its plans for a prescribed fire at El Malpais National Monument, citing worsening weather conditions.
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Topics
Disaster Natural Disasters Wildfire Mexico New Mexico
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