All Resources Legal Advocate Network

2022

New Mexico Wildfires and Straight-line Winds

Page last updated: 08/08/2022

On this Page:

Overview Important Deadlines FEMA Assistance Safety and Shelter Resources Legal Assistance News & Information

Overview

New Mexico Wildfires and Straight-line Winds (DR-4652)

Beginning on April 5th, 2022, straight-line winds amplified wildfires in the state of New Mexico to catastrophic proportions, causing at least six fire management incidents. On May 4th, 2022, President Biden declared a major disaster.

On July 27, 2022, the disaster was amended to include flooding, mudflows, and debris flows resulting from the wildfires.

People in the following counties are eligible to receive federal disaster assistance:

  • Colfax
  • Lincoln
  • Mora
  • San Miguel
  • Valencia

Click here for the full whitehouse.gov press release.

A free legal help hotline is available beginning June 6, 2022 for New Mexico Wildfires survivors. The hotline is available to connect survivors to free legal services in qualifying counties who cannot afford an attorney. Survivors can call (888) 985-5141.

For more information, please see the ABA-YLD Disaster Legal Services Press Release (English | Spanish)

Important Deadlines

FEMA Application Deadline

Extended to Tuesday, September 6, 2022

More Info

Appeal your FEMA decision letter

Within 60 days of the date on the determination letter.

Apply for Disaster Unemployment

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

More Info

Apply for D-SNAP

Monday, June 13, 2022

More Info

FEMA Assistance

Applications for FEMA Assistance can be submitted by:

Phone: Contact FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY users can call 1-800-462-7585.

Online: Fill out the application at DisasterAssistance.gov

In-Person: You can also fill out the application at a FEMA Disaster Resource Center (DRC).

Mobile Registration Intake Center: MRICs move around regularly. They will be in an area for a short period of time to help survivors who need registration help. Visit FEMA’s Disaster Declaration page to find more information about the Mobile Registration Intake Center locations and hours.

Disaster Recovery Center: To find a Disaster Recovery Center near you, use the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s DRC locator or text “DRC” and your zip code to 43362 (4FEMA) to locate a Disaster Recovery Center in your area.

FEMA Fact Sheet: Remote Inspections

Due to the COVID-19 nationwide emergency declared by Former President Trump and the need to protect the safety and health of all Americans; FEMA will conduct remote home inspections for disaster survivors until further notice.

This fact sheet provides information about that process. It includes links to PDF and plain text versions.

As of June 1, 2022, FEMA is beginning to transition back to in- home inspections. Remote inspections may still occur if conditions make them necessary again.
What to Expect After You Apply for FEMA Assistance

Created by FEMA, this handout provides a basic overview what to expect after you have applied for assistance.
also available in:
Español
What to Expect After You Apply for FEMA Assistance (Spanish)

Este folleto, creado por FEMA, brinda una descripción general básica de lo que puede esperar después de haber solicitado asistencia.

Safety and Shelter Resources

Please check your local news and local officials for the latest safety and shelter resources.

Access information on Safety and Shelter assistance through the resources below.

American Red Cross Disaster Relief & Recovery Services

Explore resources from the American Red Cross on how to stay safe and recover from a disaster.

Website
Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) Locator

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are accessible facilities and mobile offices you can visit to learn more about FEMA and other disaster assistance programs. You may also visit to ask questions about your case. The DRC Locator helps you find the hours, services, and locations of DRCs near you.

Website
American Red Cross Shelter Locator

If an emergency has forced you to evacuate your home, the Red Cross may be able to help. All Red Cross shelters are free, open to everyone, accessible to people with disabilities, and accepting of service animals. 

Website

A free legal help hotline is available beginning June 6, 2022 for New Mexico Wildfires survivors. The hotline is available to connect survivors to free legal services in qualifying counties who cannot afford an attorney. Survivors can call (888) 985-5141.

For more information, please see the ABA-YLD Disaster Legal Services Press Release (English | Spanish)

Introducing: Disaster Legal Services

The American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division has teamed up with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create Disaster Legal Services (DLS) — a program designed to help survivors navigate the aftermath of presidentially- declared disasters. The DLS program provides immediate temporary legal assistance to disaster survivors—at no charge.

Issues where DLS can help include:

  • Insurance Claims
  • New Wills
  • Powers of Attorney
  • Other Legal Papers Lost During the Disaster
  • Problems with Landlords
  • FEMA Appeals
  • Home Repair Contracts and Contractor Fraud

Learn more through this short video.

Video
ABA YLD Disaster Legal Services Hotline

(888) 743-5749

To help meet the growing legal needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division has teamed up with RingCentral Inc. to create a national hotline to connect the Disaster Legal Services Program (DLS) with those seeking civil legal services.

Organization
State Bar of New Mexico

(800) 876-6227

PO Box 92860
Albuquerque, NM 87199-2860

Professional association of lawyers.

Organization
New Mexico Legal Aid

1-833-545-4357

P.O. Box 25486
Albuquerque, NM 87125-5486

Provides free civil legal services to low-income people.

Organization
New Mexico Free Legal Answers

Free Legal Answers is a virtual legal advice clinic. Qualifying users post their civil legal question to their state’s website. Users will then be emailed when their question receives a response. There is no fee for the use of the system or for the advice and information provided by the attorney.

ABA Free Legal Answers is a website operated by the American Bar Association (ABA) and by an entity or entities in the state where the client lives.

Organization

News & Information