The Office of the Governor of the State of Colorado

08/07/2026 | Press release | Archived content

Governor Polis Verbally Declares Disaster Emergency for 310 Fire, Provides Update on Status of Wildfires and Floods in Colorado

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the 310 Fire, which is currently burning in Garfield County at more than 600 acres. The fire has exhibited active to extreme fire behavior, and is burning on steep slopes and terrain. A Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) has been assigned to the fire.

The Governor's verbal declaration activates the State Emergency Operations Plan and directs the Department of Public Safety and its Divisions of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) and Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) to take responsibility for all response, recovery, and mitigation efforts on the 310 Fire. This support includes State and interagency engines and handcrews, DFPC and interagency aviation resources, and incident management personnel and overhead to assist in management of the fire and containment efforts. In addition, DFPC is supporting Garfield County and the incident with administrative and financial oversight and intelligence products that include imaging, mapping, and fire behavior modeling and projects. DHSEM is directly supporting the Garfield County Emergency Manager and the emergency operations center with on-site area field managers. This declaration also authorizes the National Guard to assist in response efforts and makes it easier for out-of-state licensed emergency medical providers to assist in fire response efforts.

Since June 27th Governor Polis has declared a disaster emergency in response to nine fires in the state and authorized the National Guard to assist in response. Currently across six large wildfires in Colorado there are over 850 firefighters actively fighting to protect Colorado communities. Additionally, today in the Rocky Mountain Area, aerial resources include 38 fixed-wing aircraft and 30 rotor wing assets from the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DPFC), federal and local partners, and other states to fight the flames and keep Colorado communities and our neighbors safe.

On July 24, the Governor memorialized his verbal disaster declarations and extended the disaster declarations 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. This week, on August 5, 2026, Governor Polis declared a disaster emergency in response to the Indian Creek Fire in Jackson County. Governor Polis also memorialized his verbal disaster declarations for the Ferris Fire in Montezuma and Delores Counties and Green Ridge Fire in Routt County.

Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County

Governor Polis declared a disaster emergency in response to the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County on June 28th. Currently, the Gold Mountain Fire has burned over 39,000 acres and is at 90% containment. This remains a state responsibility fire. Governor Polis announced on July 1, 2026 that the Gold Mountain Fire was authorized for a Fire Management Assistance Grant, which allows the state to be federally reimbursed up to 75% for firefighting costs. Tragically, Fire Helicopter Pilot Nicholas Dale died on July 12 supporting the firefighter efforts for this fire.

Aspen Acres Fire in Pueblo and Custer Counties

Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the Aspen Acres Fire in Pueblo and Custer Counties on June 29, 2026. Currently, the Aspen Acres Fire has burned over 101,000 acres and is 71% contained. This remains a state responsibility fire. On June 20th, Governor Polis announced the Aspen Acres Fire was authorized for a Fire Management Assistance Grant. Governor Polis visited the Aspen Acres Fire Incident Command Post in Pueblo on July 2, 2026 and visited the Pueblo Disaster Assistance Center on July 14, 2026.

Willow Fire in Lake County

Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the Willow Fire in Lake County on June 29. Currently, the Willow Fire has burned over 7,000 acres and is 67% contained. This remains a state responsibility fire. On July 5th, Governor Polis announced the Willow Fire was authorized for a Fire Management Assistance Grant.

Indian Creek Fire in Jackson County

Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the Indian Creek Fire on August 5, 2026 The Indian Creek Fire is burning in Jackson County and currently estimated to be 33 acres and 7% contained. It's located in an area with heavy timber fuels at 9,000 feet elevation, requiring specialized assets which exceed the county's capability. A Red Flag Warning is in place for the fire area. DFPC is supporting Jackson County and the incident with administrative and financial oversight and intelligence products that include imaging, mapping, and fire behavior modeling and projects. DHSEM is directly supporting the Jackson County Emergency Manager and the emergency operations center with on-site area field management. The disaster declaration also authorizes the National Guard to assist in response efforts and makes it easier for out-of-state licensed emergency medical providers to assist in fire response efforts.

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 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 people are encouraged to check the National Weather Service for their area to get real-time alerts and warnings.

Flooding is not covered by most homeowners insurance without a specific flood-policy, which is why homeowners in susceptible areas should consider flood insurance. See FEMA's National Flood Insurance website for additional information on obtaining flood insurance to make sure you and your family are covered.

Coloradans are encouraged to utilize the Disaster Recovery Navigation tool for more information on how to sign up for emergency alerts, secure flood insurance coverage, and find additional helpful post-fire guidance.

For information on flooding resources from the counties, including sandbag materials for residents, and additional resources in your area, check your local community pages.

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The Office of the Governor of the State of Colorado published this content on August 07, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 10, 2026 at 16:26 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]