New Mexico's largest wildfire and its aftermath

The largest wildfire in New Mexico state history, accidentally ignited by the U.S. government, has transformed survivors into experts on forest management, disaster aid, and resilience.

Byard Duncan and Patrick Lohmann report for ProPublica and Source New Mexico.

In short:

• The Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire, caused by a federal prescribed burn, devastated communities, highlighting the increasing frequency of such disasters in the U.S.
• Survivors face challenges with FEMA's slow and bureaucratic aid process, struggling with trauma, property loss, and the daunting task of rebuilding.
• The incident raises questions about forest management practices, accountability in disaster prevention, and the long-term impact on affected communities.

Key quote:

"With climate collapse, this scenario is set to repeat itself over and over across the country."

— Cyn Palmer, retired wildlife manager

Why this matters:

This story sheds light on the broader issue of climate change and its impact on disaster frequency and severity, underscoring the need for effective forest management and disaster response strategies.

Be sure to read: One of the most overlooked consequences of climate change? Our mental health.