In the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that ravaged Northern New Mexico in 2022 and 2023, a group of dedicated individuals and organizations have come together to form the Coalition for Fire Fund Fairness (“CFFF”). This alliance, grounded in a resolute commitment to restoring the lives and well-being of those affected by the Hermit's Peak-Calf Canyon Fire (HPCC Fire), has taken up the mission to ensure that these victims are fully compensated and made whole under the law. The urgency of this cause stems from the fundamental principle that the people of Northern New Mexico deserve nothing less than absolute justice and restorative support.

 

The overarching theme of the Coalition's mission is simple but profound: to fully compensate the victims of the HPCC Fire, advocating for their holistic well-being, and to strive for their complete restoration under the law. The victims, both individuals and communities, found themselves at the mercy of a merciless wildfire that left indelible scars on their mental, physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. These wildfires were not of their making, and the weight of their consequences fell upon them unjustly. The federal government was negligent and must be held fully accountable for restoring our precious communities. 

 

Why do we fight for this cause with such fervor and urgency? The answer lies in the collective recognition that the people of Northern New Mexico deserve to be made whole again, both financially and emotionally. The wildfires stripped them of their homes, their belongings, and their sense of security. These victims, already burdened with the trauma of their losses, now grapple with the ongoing damages of flooding caused by the burn scars left in the wake of the wildfires.

 

The missing trees and vegetation, once a natural defense against flooding, have rendered the area extremely vulnerable. Traditional land grants, acequias and watersheds were also severely damaged and devastated by the HPCC Fire leading to water contamination and further financial loss and trauma. Urgent action is required to safeguard the lives and properties of Northern New Mexicans who continue to face the imminent threat of flooding, compounding their already considerable losses.

 

The CFFF stands as a formidable voice and advocate for justice, serving as a beacon of hope for those who have suffered immeasurably. It is an embodiment of unwavering determination, asserting that the victims of Northern New Mexico will not be left to bear the weight of their losses alone. Every step taken by the Coalition is rooted in the urgent belief that justice is not an option but an absolute necessity.  Victims deserve to be fully compensated for their economic losses and their non-economic damages such as their pain and suffering and emotional distress.

 

As the CFFF presses forward, its mission is clear: to ensure that the victims of the HPCC Fire are not only compensated for their financial losses but that their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being is mended. Their lives must be made whole again. The wildfires were not their fault, and it is our collective duty to right this profound injustice.

 

In a world where justice delayed is justice denied, the urgency of the Coalition's mission cannot be overstated. The people of Northern New Mexico deserve to regain their lives, their homes, and their peace of mind. They deserve to have their voices heard and their suffering acknowledged. They deserve to be made whole again.

 

The Coalition for Fire Fund Fairness is a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who will not rest until justice is served, and wholeness is restored to the victims of the HPCC Fire in Northern New Mexico. It is a clarion call to action, a promise to stand resolute, and a vow to uphold the principles of fairness and compassion in the face of overwhelming adversity.

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Sincerely,

 

Manny Crespín Jr. 

Founder of Coalition for Fire Fund Fairness

MannyCrespin@Gmail.Com