Claims Office distributes over $100m to those impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire in New Mexico

The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office has recently reported distributing a staggering $101.11 million to claimants suffering losses due to the devastating fire as of October 19, 2023.

This information was detailed in a press release provided by the office.

Detailed breakdown of the claims in New Mexico

Most commonly, the Claims Office has been addressing losses linked to damaged homes and infrastructure.

These encompass:

• Rebuilding access roads leading to residences,
• Key infrastructure such as wells and septic systems,
• Compensation for damages to secondary structures.

Furthermore, there has been substantial compensation granted for proactive measures and potential future regrowth losses: this encompasses buying flood insurance, debris removal, and allocation of funds specifically for reseeding purposes.

Another significant portion of the funds was allocated to those who faced losses during the time of evacuation. The compensation covered:

• Travel expenses,
• Food expenses,
• Accommodation during evacuation,
• Loss of food due to evacuation-induced power outages.

Partnerships and future steps in New Mexico

The statement from the Claims Office further read: “Working with our federal, tribal, state and local government partners, we are also tackling complex losses like acequias, debris removal, reforestation, and rebuilding community infrastructure.”

The primary objective remains providing maximum compensation within the legal parameters of the Final Regulations.

For those affected by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and the subsequent flooding, the Claims Office is urging individuals to file a Notice of Loss.

Interested parties can obtain the necessary forms here.

Completed forms can be emailed to fema-hermits-peak@fema.dhs.gov or mailed to:

FEMA Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office
P.O. Box 1329
Santa Fe, NM 87505

For those seeking in-person assistance, Claims Office locations in New Mexico are operational Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at:

• Mora Claims Office, Mora County Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Drive, Mora, NM 87732,
• Las Vegas Claims Office, 216 Mills Avenue, Las Vegas, NM 87701 (Located in Mills Plaza),
• Santa Fe Claims Office, 1711 Llano Street, Suite E, Santa Fe, NM 87505 (Adjacent to Mucho Gourmet Sandwich Shoppe).

For an expansive understanding of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act, please refer to this link.

Spanish speakers can find information here.

Updates can also be tracked via their official Facebook page.

FSJA Comment

The rapid and substantial distribution of compensation by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office underscores the severity of the disaster in New Mexico.

While no monetary amount can truly make up for the losses experienced by affected families, this extensive financial support will certainly aid in the rebuilding process.

This collaborative effort between federal, tribal, state, and local government partners also serves as a testament to the collective endeavor to restore normalcy in the region.