Presidential visits to the Land of Enchantment are rare, but the wildfire crisis facing New Mexico was enough of a concern to draw the attention of the leader of the free world.
New Mexico has been tormented by wildfires this year, and President Joe Biden spent Saturday, June 11 assessing the damage and receiving updates about the fires, both those that have successfully been extinguished and those that are still burning.
He also met with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and state and local leaders and took time to meet with and offer hope to families and survivors who have been impacted by the fires.
Lea County Wildfires
Lea County has been fortunate this year. The county has seen only small brush fires that local public and volunteer fire departments, first responders and civilians have been able to control and put out. Without large forests, Lea County is not a top threat for large uncontrolled fires, but the dry climate and vast expanses of pasture can still be a danger.
The most recent wildfire, named the Maddox Road Grass Fire, burned about 20 acres and was in the “mop up phase” on Friday, June 10, states the Lea County Office of Emergency Management’s Facebook page. The Monument Volunteer Fire Department, the Lea County Sheriff’s Office and Lea County Emergency Management responded to this emergency.
Looking statewide, KOAT 7 Action News reports that New Mexico Secretary of Homeland Security and Emergency Management David Dye has stated that almost one million acres “have been devastated by the wildfires”, with “two significant new fires” starting on Friday, June 10.
Federal Government and This Year’s Wildfires
The federal government itself has played a significant role in exacerbating this year’s wildfire situation, igniting the largest wildfire in New Mexico’s history.
The culprits were prescribed burns conducted by the US Forest Service in rugged areas east of Santa Fe. “Driven by wind and drought conditions, the fires spread, eventually merging into the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon fire, which has charred nearly 500 square miles since April. It has forced 18,000 evacuations, and claimed more than 300 homes in some of the poorest areas of the state,” states an article posted at CBSNews.com.
On Saturday during his visit to New Mexico, President Biden announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will cover 100% “of the state costs related to recovery efforts” from the fire’s devastation. “‘We will be here for you in response and recovery for as long as it takes,'” stated President Biden.
White House officials specify that the federal government will cover all costs related to “‘debris removal and emergency protective measures for 90 days undertaken by the State of New Mexico as a result of the wildfires and straight-line winds.'” Exactly what these words actually mean may lead to further clarification as time goes by.
Biden’s New Mexico visit was met with anger from first responders, survivors and officials over the fact that the state’s biggest fire in history was started by federal workers. Admitting, at least to some extent, the federal government’s mistake, President Biden said, “‘We have a responsibility to help the state recover.'”
With all of the talk, the damage remains. The state continues to suffer, and 2022’s wildfire season is still with us. President Biden showed his concern and his willingness to help during his visit.
An editorial in the Albuquerque Journal welcomed President Biden. It said, “We sure need your help.” The question remains, however, how much can the president, the Feds, the state and local governments actually do to truly help New Mexico recover from this disastrous situation? “Residents shouldn’t have to wait for the fires to be out to begin rebuilding their lives.”
