New Mexico files lawsuit against FEMA for $61 million over wildfire compensation

Digital Assignment Editor

New Mexico has filed a lawsuit against FEMA over wildfire compensation.

The lawsuit is seeking $61 million to cover ongoing wildfire and flood response costs related to the Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon Fire.

The wildfire burned more than 340,000 acres, becoming the largest in the state’s history.

Heavy rain also caused burn scar flooding, causing Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to deploy the National Guard to assist, while arguing the government should fund the damages due to federal actions causing the disaster.

KOAT spoke with attorney Brian Colon, who represented some of the Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon victims in the past and explains why litigation has become necessary.

Colon says litigation is necessary to fight for victims in the courtroom due to the defendant not stepping up. “The federal government needs to step up and do the right thing to resolve these claims,” he says.

FEMA has not yet commented on the lawsuit; the federal agency has both denied New Mexico’s 2024 claim and its appeal.

Beyond this lawsuit, New Mexico has 22 additional FEMA claims pending totaling $128 million.