FEMA May Reimburse for Efforts to Reduce Future Risks on Affected Properties

Release Number:
004
Release Date:
June 17, 2025

Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire claimants may be eligible for reimbursement for reasonable efforts taken to reduce the risks of future wildfires, flooding or other cascading impacts.

Background

Risk reduction costs can be covered under the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act. The purpose of risk reduction is to minimize risks to property from future disasters, making potential impacts far less costly and destructive. Fire-damaged properties often are more vulnerable to new threats – so it’s vital that affected claimants take the necessary steps to reduce their risks to pre-fire levels. 

Impacted property owners are required to have a valid Notice of Loss (NOL) for risk reduction with the FEMA Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office on or before March 14, 2025.  Claimants must have a valid NOL requesting risk reduction, must complete the risk reduction project, and incur all costs by November 14, 2025.

Requirements for Compensation

The table below shows the guidelines for covering risk reduction costs:

CategoryCriteria
Claimant
  • Must own the at-risk property in the affected counties.
  • Must submit documentation for the risk reduction project.
  • Must have a valid NOL requesting risk reduction, must complete the risk reduction project, and incur all costs by Nov. 14, 2025.
  • Public Assistance (PA)-eligible claimants under the FEMA Stafford Act must first submit their risk reduction project to PA. Any project or cost submitted to the Claims Office must have a documented denial from PA .

Risk reduction project documentation

 

  • Must identify the risk of damage posed by a future fire, flood or other cascading event to specific structures on the property.
  • Must detail how the project addresses and mitigates the heightened risk.
  • Must include reasonable itemized costs, scope, and project completion date.
  • Must include proof of project completion.
  • Must comply with state and local government codes and standards. 
Allowable projects
  • Reducing flood risks, such as improving drainage systems and installing barriers to safeguard the home and decrease downstream flow to neighboring properties.
  • Decreasing wildfire risks. This could include cutting back vegetation, adding fire-resistant materials to structures, creating fire breaks on the land, and removing trees to form a less flammable space around the home.
  • Preventing erosion and measures that reinforce the ground underneath structures. 

Note: The Claims Office categorizes general erosion as reforestation and is not applicable as an allowable measure for risk reduction.

Additional Guidelines

  • A site visit may be required to verify project completion.
  • Claimants may seek reimbursement for more than one risk reduction project.
  • Cumulative total reimbursement for risk reduction projects is capped at 50% of the replacement cost value (i.e. the cost to rebuild a structure to its pre-fire design and function using comparable materials at present day prices). Replacement cost value will be determined by the Claims Office using a standardized methodology. Any costs that exceed this cap are the responsibility of the claimant.
  • The Claims Office may recover risk reduction funds if fraud or duplication of funding are discovered, or if the project is not completed consistent with submitted project documentation.
  • Claimants may be reimbursed for the costs of hiring a third-party to assess the need for risk-reduction work; the Claims Office must deem the assessment necessary.
  • Activities not covered include:
    • Routine maintenance, such as cleaning gutters and basic landscaping.
    • Cosmetic upgrades to structures and landscape beautification.  
    • Unnecessary professional studies.
    • Costs already paid or will be paid for by insurance or other programs or settlements.
    • Contingency costs.
  • If you have any questions, please reach out to your navigator.
  • For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please visit the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page and turn notifications on to stay up-to-date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice.
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