Understanding the Claims Office Firewood Policy

Release Date:
December 30, 2024

Individuals impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire can receive compensation from the Claims Office for lost firewood stockpiles and firewood sources. 

Background  

Individuals impacted by the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire who lost firewood stockpiles and firewood sources located on their private property are eligible for compensation. The costs incurred from lost firewood are compensable losses under the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act. 

Individuals who lost firewood stockpiles or firewood sources may be eligible to receive compensation for up to five years' worth of firewood and can file a claim based on the standard rate or actual costs incurred.

Determining Firewood Standard Rate

The Claims Office conducted a study of current market rates by surveying licensed firewood suppliers across Mora, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Bernalillo, Taos, Los Alamos, and Rio Arriba counties. The study provided data on the costs of split and seasoned firewood for various types of pine, aspen, cedar, and oak, which was used to determine the firewood standard rate. 

The Claims Office adopted the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s definition for firewood cord size. As the Department definition states: A cord is split and tightly stacked wood measuring 4’x4’x8’ or 128 cubic feet. Key information about the rates is listed below.

  • The standardized rate is $450/cord.
  • The initial rate is three cords/1,000 square feet and below of heated residence.
  • The incremental rate is one cord allowed per additional 333 square feet of heated residence capped at 5,000 square feet.
  • The standard delivery fee is $185/year. 
  • Allowable compensation for firewood is based on estimates incorporated into the standardized rates. The Claims Office caps firewood compensation based on the standardized rate at five years. Claimants can opt to be compensated based on their actual incurred costs supported by documentation/invoice. 

Key Facts on Firewood Policy

Eligibility
  • Claimants who harvested firewood from their private property within the burn scar are eligible for lost firewood compensation. 
  • This includes claimants who were allowed to collect firewood by the resource owner at no cost. 
Standard Rate Documentation Requirements
  • A photo of the claimant’s fireplace or wood stove capable of burning firewood. 
  • The dimensions or heated square footage of the claimant’s home.  
  • If a non-resource owner, a declaration from the resource owner stating that firewood was provided to the claimant at no cost. 
Actual Cost Documentation Requirements
  • Invoices that show the cost paid for firewood.
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Tags:
Region 6
New Mexico
Hermit’s Peak Fire
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