Fire

Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Offices To Close On Christmas And New Years Day

FEMA News:

SANTA FE — The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims offices in Mora, Las Vegas and Santa Fe will be closed Dec. 25, for the Christmas Holiday.

The public is welcome to leave a voice message on the Helpline at 505.995.7133 and they will return your call during their operating hours, resuming Tuesday, Dec. 26.

The Claims Office will also be closed Jan. 1 for New Years Day, offices will resume regular operating hours Jan. 2.

Our branch office hours are:

  • The Santa Fe office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
  • The Mora and Las Vegas offices are open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
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FEMA: Navigating Claims Office Concerns

From FEMA:

We’ve received valuable feedback from the community, lawyers, and others regarding  issues and concerns related to the Claims Office and the review/payment process.

Our top  priority is to swiftly provide payments to the fire victims. To ensure we address everyone’s needs effectively, we’re here to directly respond to your questions and concerns.

Question: Will I receive more money if I work through a lawyer? How many claimants using lawyers have  been paid out?

Answer: Compensation amounts, whether the claim is handled through a lawyer or worked independently, are  assessed Read More

Wildfire Preparedness Is Year-Round: Don’t Hibernate On 2023 Preparedness Plan

Forest Stewards Guild News:

SANTA FE — Take this seasonal break to create or review and improve your personal preparedness plan for emergencies. 

The Forest Stewards Guild and the Fire Adapted New Mexico learning network (FACNM) and partners at nearby national forests, agencies, and non-governmental organizations conclude the 2023 Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round campaign with our December message: Don’t Hibernate on a Preparedness Plan.  

Although emergencies and disasters can occur at any moment, the winter months – when wildfire risk is at its lowest – are a good time to create Read More

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich Secures Major Wins For New Mexico Military Installations, Service Members, National Labs

From the Office Of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) welcomed Senate passage Wednesday of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24).

The legislation includes major wins that Heinrich secured, including investments in New Mexico’s service members, military installations, national labs and job-creating initiatives throughout the state.

The legislation now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for final passage, then to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

“This bipartisan bill invests Read More

Today’s Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office Town Hall Moves To Virtual Platform Due Forecasted Inclement Weather

FEMA News:

SANTA FE — The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office’s town hall meeting scheduled for today, Dec. 13 will now be virtual due to forecasted inclement weather.

The town hall was originally scheduled to be held as an in-person event at the Mora High School Lecture Hall. New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the U.S. Forest Service and Claims Office representatives will be on hand to discuss hazardous tree removal, firewood distribution, reforestation, and more post-fire recovery efforts with community members.

The virtual Town Hall and can be accessed Read More

LAFD To Commemorate 40th Anniversary Of Firefighter Arthur E. Gurule’s Line-Of-Duty Death Monday Dec. 18, 2023

COUNTY News:

Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) is honored to invite the community to a memorial service commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the line-of-duty death of Firefighter Arthur E. Gurule.

The event will take place 11 a.m. Dec. 18, 2023, in Council Chambers at 1000 Central Ave.

Firefighter Gurule made the ultimate sacrifice on Dec. 18, 1983, while bravely serving and protecting Los Alamos County. His unwavering dedication, courage, and sacrifice continue to be an inspiration to all.

In honor of his memory, LAFD extends an invitation to the community he served to join the Fire Department Read More

State Of New Mexico, FEMA And Claims Office Launching Outreach Effort, Starting With Text Message Campaign

FEMA News:

SANTA FE — Beginning Dec. 13, impacted individuals and families of Mora and San Miguel counties who applied for FEMA assistance after the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fires and floods and who have not yet filed a claim with the Claims Office, may receive a text message from the Claims Office asking if they are interested in receiving more information about the Claims Office or additional recovery resources.

The text message will come from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office and will ask them to select from a series of options to tell us what best fits their current situation. By Read More

Prescribed Burns Planned In Coyote And Cuba Districts

SFNF News:

SANTA FE — Fire crews have scheduled potential prescribed fires in both the Coyote and Cuba ranger districts as early as Monday, Dec. 11.

Operations will involve pile burns which are intended to reduce hazardous fuels, enhance wildlife habitat, and improve  forest health. The decision to proceed with each pile burn will depend on multiple factors, including persistent snowpack, air quality, ventilation, and resource availability.

The pile burns are patrolled regularly and an uncrewed aerial system (UAS) with infrared capability will help fire personnel determine when the Read More

Santa Fe National Forest Plans Prescribed Pile Burns

Pile burn in Pacheco Canyon. Courtesy/SFNF

SFNF News:

SANTA FE — Due to recent snowfall, Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) fire managers are preparing for winter prescribed fire activities.

This past fall, the SFNF conducted broadcast burns throughout the forest. Now fire managers will begin planning for potential pile burns implemented between December and April in the Cuba, Coyote, Jemez, and Espanola ranger districts. Broadcast burns and pile burns are intended to reduce hazardous fuels, enhance wildlife habitat, and improve forest health. The decision to proceed with each pile burn Read More