Governor Polis Memorializes Verbal Disaster Declaration for Snyder, Gold Mountain, Aspen Acres, and Willow Fires, Provides Updates on Fires

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis issued an Executive Order memorializing his verbal disaster declarations and extending the disaster declarations for 30 days for the Snyder Fire in Mesa County, the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County, the Willow Fire in Lake County, and the Aspen Acres Fire in Custer and Pueblo Counties.

The Executive Order enables State and federal agencies to coordinate fire suppression, response, consequence management, mitigation, and recovery efforts. This Executive Order also suspends certain Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) statutes and regulations to allow for more flexibility for out of state emergency medical service providers to assist in fire rescue under the guidance of the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS). Lastly, this Executive Order employs the Colorado National Guard in an unarmed capacity to assist with evacuations and mitigation.

The verbal declarations for these fires occurred between June 27-29, 2026. This year, a very mild winter and record-low snowpack combined with record heat in March and an exceptionally dry spring led to extreme and exceptional drought across large portions of the State. These conditions, coupled with a single weather event including hot, dry weather during the fire starts, increased wildfire risk. The days surrounding the fire starts were under nearly continuous Red Flag Warnings for extreme fire danger, and the National Weather Service office in Grand Junction issued a rare "Particularly Dangerous Situation" for portions of Western Colorado just prior to the fire starts. As a result of these dangerous conditions, Colorado is experiencing multiple wildfires in quick succession, requiring rapid response and resources to protect Coloradans and their homes and businesses.

"I thank the brave firefighters and first responders who are putting themselves in harm's way to fight these fires and help communities safely return when able. My thoughts are with the family, friends, and fellow crew of the three firefighters and one helicopter pilot who have died fighting these fires. The State of Colorado owes a great debt to their bravery and sacrifice. Containment efforts are promising, and that work is ongoing, and emergency managers are working diligently to help people re enter safely. We still face hot and dry conditions, and I urge every Coloradans to avoid flames and join me in recreating responsibly; any new fire will spread our resources and put our brave firefighters in further harm. We owe it to them to prevent new fires from starting," said Governor Polis.

Since June 27, Governor Polis has declared disaster emergencies in response to seven fires in the state and authorized the National Guard to assist in response. The Snyder Fire in Mesa County and the Sheep Head (formerly named Big Sheep) Fire in Huerfano County have been handed back to local authorities based on containment. As of July 23, 2026, the Snyder Fire has burned 30,202 acres in Mesa County and is 98% contained. The Gold Mountain Fire has burned 38,044 acres in Ouray County and is 24% contained. The Willow Fire has burned 7,196 acres in Lake County and is 55% contained. The Aspen Acres Fire has burned 101,546 acres in Custer and Pueblo Counties and is 61% contained.

Governor Polis has announced that the Gold Mountain Fire, Aspen Acres Fire, and Willow Fire were authorized for Fire Management Assistance Grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which allows the state to be reimbursed up to 75% for eligible firefighting costs. Governor Polis has visited the Snyder Fire Incident Command Post, the Aspen Acres Fire Incident Command Post, and the Pueblo Disaster Assistance Center. Governor Polis is closely monitoring all fires in the state with his public safety team.

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