Colorado: Governor Polis at Aspen Acres Fire Incident Command Post in Pueblo County

PUEBLO, Colo. ~ PUEBLO, Colo. - Governor Jared Polis, along with Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control Director Mike Morgan and Colorado Department of Public Safety Director Stan Hilkey, visited the Incident Command Post (ICP) in Pueblo County today to meet with incident management and fire personnel working on the Aspen Acres Fire. The fire, which is burning in both Pueblo and Custer counties, has grown to over 50,000 acres with 0% containment.

During his visit, Governor Polis expressed his heartbreak over the devastation caused by the fire. He also commended the efforts of all those involved in fighting the fires across the state, including local and federal partners who have deployed crews, trucks, and air assets to assist in containment efforts. The governor emphasized that Colorado is working together as a team to combat these fires and provide support to those affected.

The U.S. Forest Service and the state have already deployed 22 engines and handcrews, as well as an incident management team and 180 personnel. Just yesterday, seven Large Air Tankers were deployed by the state along with 326 personnel, two dozers, 128 engines, and 14 water tenders.

The Aspen Acres Fire was identified as the top priority in the Rocky Mountain Region on Monday morning. Multiple aviation resources were assigned to assist until wind and turbulence made it unsafe for aircraft use. A National Complex Incident Management Team was then ordered to take over management of the fire upon their arrival yesterday.

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Evacuations have been ordered for over 4,000 people due to the fire's rapid growth. Evacuation centers have been set up at various locations including Pueblo County Recreation Center, Lange Hall in Westcliffe, and at entrance 7 of the Colorado State Fairgrounds for large animals.

At this time, it is estimated that at least 180 structures have been lost due to the fire. Additionally, a bridge off of Highway 165 was destroyed, impacting access to the Aspen Acres Campground. However, on Tuesday evening, a temporary bridge was installed by the Colorado Department of Transportation to allow fire trucks to access and respond to the area.

Both Pueblo and Custer counties are currently under Stage 2 fire restrictions, which prohibit the sale and use of fireworks. Governor Polis is urging all Coloradans to follow these restrictions and help prevent any human-caused fires.

The Aspen Acres Fire was first reported on June 29 and quickly grew in size. Governor Polis declared it an emergency just hours after it started due to its rapid growth.

On June 30, the governor announced the authorization of a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Aspen Acres Fire. This will provide funding for 75% of the state's eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating, and controlling designated fires. However, this grant does not cover individual home or business owners' losses or other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

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For those in the vicinity of a wildfire, it is important to follow orders from local authorities first and foremost. The latest information on links to local authorities can be found at DHSEM.Colorado.gov. It is also recommended that individuals prepare a go kit with essential items in case evacuation becomes necessary. All Coloradans are encouraged to sign up for county emergency alerts.

Additional resources are available for those affected by wildfires in Colorado. Airbnb.org is working with Mile High United Way to provide free emergency housing for those displaced by not only the Aspen Acres Fire but also other fires such as Ferris and Doe Canyon Fires, Gold Mountain Fire, Snyder Fire, and Willow Fire. The American Red Cross also offers assistance with finding open shelters and disaster relief services. The Colorado Disaster Recovery Navigation Tool provides resources for disaster survivors and guidance on what steps to take in the aftermath of a fire. The Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) has also set up an Emergency Response and Recovery Fund, along with links to organizations supporting fire response efforts.

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