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President Biden is due to visit New Mexico on Saturday amid a highly active fire season as anger continues to boil over the cause of the state’s largest reported fire.
The president will meet with Governor Michel Lujan Grisham, who called on the federal government to cover all reconstruction costs of the Hermits and Calf Canyon fires.
The combined fires spread to 319,841 acres and were controlled by 67%, with 2,685 employees working in windy weather.
MEXICO’S NEW GOVERNOR INVESTIGATES WILD FIRE DESTRUCTION
Both fires – which destroyed several hundred homes in New Mexico – were tracked down to prescribed burns set by the U.S. Forest Service.
Firefighting efforts have cost the state millions, and the governor’s office has said the agency will pay 100 percent of the price.
Daniel Ensinias stands next to the ruins of his home destroyed by the Hermits Peak canyon fire in Calf Canyon in Tierra Monte, New Mexico, June 9, 2022 (REUTERS / Andrew Hay)
Residents of Mora County, whom the governor visited last week, sued the forestry service, hoping to get more information.
The evacuations also displaced thousands of people, and the fear of flames was replaced by worries about landslides.
NEW MEXICO’S LARGEST WILD FIRE JUDGED TO PRESCRIBED BURN
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than 900 claims for disaster relief totaling nearly $ 3 million.
Residents are worried that they will receive compensation for the damage they have suffered.
Proposed legislation by Theresa Leger Fernandez, DN.M., will offer full compensation for almost all lost property and income related to the fire.
On Thursday, the Biden administration amended the disaster declaration for New Mexico, according to the Albuquerque Journal, allowing FEMA to offer additional assistance to help with the recovery.
This move expanded the allowable financial incentives for the repair of water facilities, irrigation ditches, bridges and roads.
The new Mexican from Santa Fe notes that government officials are pressuring President Biden to abandon the requirement of a 25% non-federal share of federal aid spending, as the current approval will cover only 75% of the cost of fire-related damage.
President Biden spoke about the problems with inflation and the supply chain at the Port of Los Angeles on Friday, June 10, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo / Damian Dovarganes)
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Like much of the country, extreme heat is expected in New Mexico on Saturday, with dry storms expected every afternoon through Monday.
Western forest fires have become a year-round threat, and fire scientists and experts say they are moving faster and burning hotter than ever because of climate change.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Julia Musto is a reporter for Fox News Digital. You can find her on Twitter at @JuliaElenaMusto.
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