Brian Colón, Managing Partner of New Mexico Singleton Schreiber, was recently featured in a KRQE story titled "Judge Rules Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire Victims Must Be Compensated for Non-Economic Damages." A federal judge has ruled that FEMA must compensate victims of the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon wildfire in New Mexico for non-economic damages, such as emotional distress and inconvenience, in addition to property losses.
The 2022 wildfire, caused by a U.S. Forest Service prescribed burn, devastated over 341,000 acres and destroyed hundreds of homes. The ruling marks a significant step toward fully addressing the impact on victims. With $5.5 billion allocated for compensation, including a recent $1.5 billion addition by Congress, advocates are urging FEMA to expedite the process and make affected families whole.
Colón stated, “It’s time for FEMA to step up, do the right thing, and fully compensate the victims of the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire.”
