FEMA Provides More Than $3.5 Billion to Survivors of the Historic Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire

Swift congressional action and FEMA's quick implementation helped deliver billions of federal dollars to survivors, supporting the recovery and rebuilding efforts in New Mexico.

Santa Fe, N.M. - As of June 23, FEMA has provided more than $3.51 billion for more than 24,502 claims to individuals and families who were affected by the historic Hermit's Peak and Calf Canyon fire and flooding. This milestone comes a little more than four years since the largest and most destructive wildfire in New Mexico's recorded history. The speed with which these resources were made available and delivered, has helped thousands of survivors navigate recovery faster.

Congress acted swiftly to pass the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act and secure a total of $5.45 billion to support the long-term recovery and fully compensate impacted individuals and families. Those resources enabled FEMA to quickly establish the Claims office, implement new policies, deploy modernized systems and processes and expand staff to better support survivors. Together, these efforts have accelerated claims processing and helped ensure individuals, families and communities have the money and support they need.

"From the start, FEMA has worked with urgency to ensure eligible survivors receive the assistance they need as quickly as possible," said Nancy Casper, Interim Director of Operations for the Claims Office. "Working closely with our state and local partners, we have streamlined processes, expanded access to claims services and remained focused on helping families recover and communities rebuild. While significant progress has been made, we remain committed to supporting New Mexicans throughout their recovery."

In addition, FEMA streamlined the claims process to prioritize individuals and families who were in the areas most affected by the fire. Highest priority is given to survivors who either suffered total losses or whose damaged properties are closest to the giant burn scar in Northern New Mexico. FEMA has designated a team to work through these types of claims as swiftly as possible.

FEMA continues to support recovery efforts in New Mexico. The Claims Offices' hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. MT, Monday through Thursday and for appointments only on Friday. Members of the public also can call the helpline at 505-995-7133 from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. MT, Monday through Friday. Residents can leave a voice message any time and the calls will be returned during regular business hours. Hours, locations and other information for the Claims Offices can be found at https://www.fema.gov/hermits-peak/contact-us.

Residents can visit the Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. The website includes step-by-step instructions, checklists of what's needed, essential forms, frequently asked questions and contact information. Information can also be found on the Facebook page at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice.