New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Starting in April 2022, a series of six wildfires, including the McBride Fire, Cerro Pelado Fire, and HPCC Fire, swept across New Mexico in an exceptional wildfire season. Notably, the Cerro Pelado Fire and HPCC Fire resulted from federally prescribed burns. President Joseph Biden declared a major disaster for these wildfires on May 4, 2022, later expanding it to include flooding and mudflows under DR-4652-NM.

The Sulzer Group was a key partner in assisting the State of New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (NMDHSEM) throughout this phase. Our engagement was pivotal in response and recovery for DR-4652- NM. We provided a range of specialized services, including subject matter expertise, subrecipient outreach, policy guidance, and technical assistance for damage assessment, project formulation, hazard mitigation, and debris management.

From our strategic base at the Joint Field Office in Santa Fe, we influenced policy and contributed to the State’s recovery. Our collaboration enabled the State to establish effective reimbursement protocols, disbursing over $50 million with our guidance. The Sulzer Group also played a significant role in submitting damage reimbursement requests exceeding $200 million to FEMA.

We provided impactful echnical support, managed debris, crafted hazard mitigation strategies, conducted damage assessment and estimation, formulated projects, and ensured reimbursement reconciliation. Ms. Sulzer, a FEMA Public Assistance subject matter expert, guided NMDHSEM leadership in recovery activities.

The Sulzer Group’s unwavering commitment and extensive expertise were crucial in New Mexico’s response and recovery from the DR-4652-NM disaster. Our comprehensive engagement streamlined processes, allocated funds effectively, and strengthened the State’s resilience.