Governor Polis Extends Aspen Acres Fire, Gold Mountain Fire Disaster Declarations

Provides Update on Status of Wildfires and Floods in Colorado

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis issued an Executive Order extending the written disaster declarations for the Aspen Acres Fire in Pueblo and Custer counties and the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County. The Executive Order extends the State of Colorado Emergency Operations Plan and the Office of Emergency Management to take all necessary and appropriate state action to assist the affected area with consequence management, mitigation, and recovery efforts as a result of flood severity and increased rainfall expected in the region. The Executive Order also extends the authorization of employing unarmed Colorado National Guard for the purpose of supporting response and recovery efforts and suspension of certain statutes related to out-of-state emergency medical service (EMS) providers practicing in Colorado, if needed. The State is finalizing efforts to request a Major Disaster Declaration from the President for these fires.

Las Animas County Fires

On August 13, Lt. Governor Primavera issued a disaster declaration for the Post Fire, Sheep Pen Fire, High Fence Fire, and Gotera Fire all in Las Animas County. The Post Fire has currently burned 4,327 acres and is 90% contained. The Sheep Pen Fire, High Fence Fire, and Gotera Fire are 100% contained and have been turned back over to local jurisdictions.

Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County

The Gold Mountain Fire has burned over 39,700 acres and is 87% contained. The Division of Fire, Prevention and Control (DFPC) maintains responsibility for fire suppression. Governor Polis previously issued a disaster declaration on June 28 and memorialized the declaration on July 24. On July 1, the governor announced that the fire was authorized for a Fire Management Assistance Grant, which allows the state to be federally reimbursed up to 75% for firefighting costs.

Aspen Acres Fire in Pueblo and Custer Counties

The Aspen Acres Fire has burned over 102,000 acres and is 74% contained. DFPC maintains responsibility for fire suppression. Governor Polis previously issued a disaster declaration on June 29 and memorialized the declaration on July 24. On June 30, the governor announced the fire was authorized for a Fire Management Assistance Grant.

Post-Fire Flooding

Colorado is experiencing post-fire flooding. When rain falls over a burn scar, the water cannot soak into the ground and there is often no vegetation left to slow it down which can lead to flash floods and catastrophic debris flows.

Flooding has been most significant in Ouray County from the Gold Mountain Fire burn scar and in Pueblo and Custer Counties from the Aspen Acres Fire burn scar. The State is working with local governments to clear impacted roads and restore safe passage.

Daily flood bulletins provide burn-area-specific forecasts, and real-time alerts can be found on the National Weather Service. Additionally, Coloradans are encouraged to utilize the Disaster Recovery Navigation tool to access information about emergency alerts, flood insurance, and post-disaster guidance.

###