NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!
President Biden is scheduled to visit New Mexico on Saturday amid a busy fire season as anger continues to simmer over the cause of the largest fire in the state.
The president will meet with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has asked the federal government to cover the full cost of recovering from Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon fires.
The merged fires have spread over 319,841 hectares and were contained in 67%, with 2,685 people working in windy conditions.
NEW GOVERNMENT GOVERNOR STUDIES FIRE DESTRUCTION
Both fires, which had destroyed hundreds of homes in New Mexico, went back to the burns prescribed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Firefighting efforts cost millions to the state and the governor’s office claimed the agency would pay 100% of the price.
Daniel Encinias stands next to the ruins of his house destroyed by the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon fire in Tierra Monte, New Mexico, on June 9, 2022. (REUTERS / Andrew Hay)
Residents of Mora County, which the governor visited last week, sued the Forest Service in hopes of getting more information.
The evacuations have also displaced thousands of residents, with fear of flames being replaced by concern about mudslides.
THE LARGEST FIRE IN NEW MEXICO HAS ARRIVED AT THE PRESCRIBED BURNS OF THE FOREST SERVICE
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than 900 disaster relief claims, totaling about $ 3 million.
Neighbors are concerned about receiving compensation for the damage they have suffered.
The proposed legislation by MP Teresa Leger Fernández, DN.M., would offer full compensation for almost all lost property and income related to the fire.
On Thursday, the Biden administration amended the New Mexico disaster statement, according to the Albuquerque Journal, allowing FEMA to offer additional types of aid to help rebuild.
The measure expanded eligible financial aid for the repair of water facilities, drains, bridges and roads.
Santa Fe New Mexican notes that state officials are pressuring President Biden to waive the 25% non-federal cost-sharing requirement for federal assistance, as the current approval will only cover 75% of damages costs related to fire.
President Biden talks about inflation and supply chain problems in the port of Los Angeles on Friday, June 10, 2022 in Los Angeles. (Photo by AP / Damian Dovarganes)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Like much of the country, extreme heat is expected in New Mexico on Saturday, with dry storms every afternoon until Monday.
Western forest fires they have become a year-round threat and fire scientists and experts say they are moving faster and burning more than ever because of climate change.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Julia Musto is a journalist for Fox News Digital. You can find her on Twitter at @JuliaElenaMusto.