Western US emergency experts say FEMA response still favors East Coast hurricanes over Western fires

A group of emergency response officials from Western states discussed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s response to wildfires at the Western Governors’ Association conference July 1, 2026, in Utah. (Photo courtesy Ellen Jaskol/WGA)

By: Patrick Lohmann

Outlets: Source New Mexico

Published: July 2, 2026

Words: 595

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 4 days ago

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A group of emergency management experts from Western states convening in Utah this week said Wednesday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency continues to prioritize hurricanes and other Eastern perils over much more common wildfires in the West.

A bipartisan group of Western governors, including New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, has gathered in Deer Valley, Utah for the annual Western Governors’ Association conference. Their Wednesday discussion — “The Road Ahead for FEMA” — comes …

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