As wildfires continue to wreak havoc on communities across New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) has asked the federal government to provide more money to not only respond to the fires, but help the state recover from the disasters.
Grisham recently sent a letter to President Joe Biden to ask for more help.
"New Mexico is utilizing every available asset to combat the advancing fires," Lujan Grisham's letter read, according to a press release. "However, the ever-increasing costs to save lives and protect New Mexicans' homes, property and heritage as these fires continue to exceed the capability of the state. New Mexico's response to these devastating fires warrants the full resources and support of the federal government."
According to the press release, Biden previously signed a disaster declaration in response to the fires.
On May 13, Lujan Grisham asked the president to authorize federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) right away. The release noted the previous declaration only gave partial approval for direct federal assistance and mass care sheltering.
Now Lujan Grisham wants the federal government to "assume responsibility for 100% of the costs associated with the response and recovery of the wildfires, under the declared disaster" because of the severity of the fires and the U.S. Forest Service's role in starting the Hermits Peak Fire.