SANTA FE, N.M. – The aftermath of the state’s largest wildfire has left victims waiting for help, as billions in promised aid remain tangled in controversy, delays, and new questions about if the money is going to those who need it most.
A government-started wildfire devastated communities, prompting federal promises of support and a new law to deliver billions to those affected. Yet, approaching 4 years later, many victims say they are still waiting for meaningful relief.
A whistleblower with inside knowledge of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Claims Office spoke to 4 Investigates about ongoing problems.
“I care deeply about my community and want to see these people get back on their feet,” the whistleblower said.
The whistleblower described a system plagued by mismanagement, favoritism and secrecy.
“I wanted to come forward and let people know what’s happening,” the whistleblower said. “Because people don’t know what’s going on behind closed doors.”
Initial criticism focused on FEMA’s slow pace in distributing money. Some officials defended the agency, insisting that recovery efforts were moving quickly for a new federal program.
“The thing to think about is in the context in disaster recovery and in the context in building new federal programs this is actually moving very quickly,” said Angela Gladwell, former FEMA Claims Office director.
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