Luján Meets with Hermit’s Peak Fire Victims to Address Unsettled Claims and Push for Urgent Improvements

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) convened a meeting with claimants who have unsettled total loss claims from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and Claims Office Director Jay Mitchell. The meeting provided an opportunity for claimants to share their concerns about the process and allow Director Mitchell to provide a direct update on the progress of claims. 

“I am thankful to all of the total loss victims who joined us today to tell their devastating stories. Each one of your stories is unique, and we need to hear them. What has become clear in these discussions is the urgent need to make people whole again as quickly as possible,” Senator Luján said in the meeting.

“I have worked hard in Congress to secure $5.45 billion for recovery efforts, but FEMA must improve the claims office process to get victims the compensation they are owed and to speed up the process. New Mexicans are hurting,” said Senator Luján following the meeting. “In our meeting, I am glad that FEMA shared that funding will not be impacted by President Trump’s efforts to freeze federal funding. I continue to urge FEMA to provide clarity to New Mexicans during this chaotic and stressful time.”

Senator Luján has pressed FEMA to fully compensate the victims of the fire. Earlier this month, Senator Luján met with Director Mitchell to address ongoing issues with the claims process, particularly concerning total loss claims. Senator Luján emphasized the need for immediate action to improve the system, including:

• Confirming the total number of individuals who lost their primary homes and have not yet received substantial payments.
• Reducing the frequency with which claimants are reassigned to new navigators.
• Ensuring that partial payments are sufficient to help families start rebuilding or purchase new homes.

Senator Luján and the New Mexico delegation have secured more than $5.45 billion for recovery efforts following the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. The fire, which was started by the U.S. Forest Service, caused widespread damage and uprooted the lives of many New Mexicans.

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