Pres. Biden declares parts of New Mexico disaster area as wildfires continue

NEW MEXICO (KCBD) - President Biden has declared parts of New Mexico a disaster area as wildfires continue to burn out of control.

The money will go directly toward those impacted by the wildfires. So far, 277 structures have burned to the ground, including 166 homes.

The largest fire, the Calf Canyon Hermits Peak fire, is still only 20% contained and has burned through more than 160,000 acres.

The Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon fire update for Thursday, May 5th
The Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon fire update for Thursday, May 5th
Posted by U.S. Forest Service-Santa Fe National Forest on Thursday, May 5, 2022

The Cerro Pelado fire in the Santa Fe National Forest is only 13% contained and has burned nearly 27,000 acres. Meanwhile, the Cooks Peak fire is now 97% contained and has burned through 60,000 acres.

Find the latest updates at New Mexico Fire Information.

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.