Colorado: Governor Polis Requests Major Disaster Declaration to Support Recovery from Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain Fires

DENVER – Today, Governor Jared Polis officially requested a Major Disaster Declaration (MDD) from President Donald Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support recovery from the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain Fires, and the subsequent flooding and debris flows on both burn scars. The request includes individual and public assistance for Coloradans in Pueblo and Custer Counties, and public assistance support for residents in Ouray County. Governor Polis requested that the federal incident period begin on June 27, 2026, and end on July 29, 2026, following the flooding and debris flows that continue to affect both burn scars.

"The Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain Fires destroyed over 300 homes, damaged critical infrastructure, and disrupted the livelihoods of Coloradans across three counties. These disasters clearly meet all the requirements for a Major Disaster Declaration, and the flooding and debris flows that followed have caused further destruction and claimed a life. Colorado has committed significant resources to this response, but the scale of this disaster requires a strong partnership among federal, state, and local governments for a successful recovery. We have been working to assess the damage correctly and by the book and ensure we get it right to do all we can to support our communities affected by these disasters. I am grateful to all the first responders, local leaders, and members of Colorado's congressional delegation who have gone above and beyond to protect our communities and now support this effort. I ask the President to approve this request so Coloradans can access the support needed to recover and rebuild," said Governor Polis.

The Gold Mountain Fire began on June 27, 2026, northeast of the town of Ouray, and has burned just over 39,500 acres and is currently 87% contained. Two days later the Aspen Acres Fire ignited in eastern Custer County and quickly spread to Pueblo County, burning more than 102,000 acres and becoming the 7th largest wildfire in Colorado's history. The fire is currently 74% contained.

The Aspen Acres Fire destroyed 324 homes across Pueblo and Custer Counties, making it Colorado's most destructive wildfire by homes lost since the 2021 Marshall Fire. Approximately 11,600 residents across Pueblo, Custer, and Fremont Counties were under mandatory evacuation at the height of the fire.

"The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, alongside our local, state, and federal partners, is committed to providing full recovery support, resources, and coordination. To the survivors of the Aspen Acres, Gold Mountain and other 2026 Colorado fires, know that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you during your time of need. We know that additional federal resources will be needed to help communities and survivors recover, and I am hopeful that the President will approve the Governor's request so we can move forward with recovery operations. We are here with you through your recovery," said Kevin Klein, Director of the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Beginning in late July, rainfall over both burn scars caused repeated flooding and debris flows. On August 16, heavy rainfall over the Aspen Acres burn scar caused flooding that killed one local resident. Flooding has also repeatedly closed Colorado Highway 78, limiting access to Beulah Valley and disrupting residents' access to work, school, medical care, and emergency services.

"Federal support is critical because the Aspen Acres Fire, followed by flash flooding from the massive burn scar, has created a continuous and compounding disaster far beyond what our local resources can sustain. More than 102,000 acres burned, hundreds of homes and several businesses were lost, critical infrastructure was damaged, lives were forever changed, and now our communities face deadly flooding from an altered watershed. We have done everything we can at the local level, but the magnitude and ongoing nature of this disaster require federal assistance to help Pueblo County recover and rebuild," said Pueblo County Sheriff David J. Lucero.

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In Ouray County, debris flows from the Gold Mountain burn scar have repeatedly closed portions of U.S. Highway 550 between Ouray, Ridgway, and Silverton. The closures have isolated Western Slope communities and disrupted the region's tourism economy during its peak season. On July 29, emergency responders rescued 17 people from flooding and debris flows near the Cutler Creek area, and three properties in Ponderosa Village were deemed uninhabitable from the damage.

"Custer County citizens are extremely resilient and are adept at handling anything thrown their way. However, this disaster showed us that fire behavior has changed and that the National Forests are out of our control for wildfire mitigation. This Major Disaster Declaration is very important to the Custer citizens to recover some of our costs and put them into our own citizens' wildfire mitigation, evacuation route enhancements, and good faith effort on our federal government's responsibility to its citizens," said Custer County Commissioner Lucas Epp.

The governor's request seeks three forms of FEMA support:

• Individual Assistance (IA) for Pueblo and Custer Counties: IA would provide direct support to eligible primary households for needs such as temporary housing, home repairs, and essential personal property. The request also includes crisis counseling, disaster care management, disaster unemployment assistance, and disaster legal services.
• Public Assistance (PA) for Pueblo, Custer, and Ouray Counties: PA would help state and local governments, public utilities, and certain nonprofit organizations cover eligible costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairs to roads, water systems, electric grids, and other critical public infrastructure. The request also seeks support for private-property debris removal in Pueblo and Custer Counties.
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Funding: This funding is designed to support long-term solutions that reduce the impact of future disasters in an impacted community. Throughout the disaster period, the State has coordinated closely with Colorado's congressional delegation to secure federal support for the response and recovery.

Members of the delegation have supported the State's request and remain engaged with state and local leaders as communities assess the damage and identify the resources needed to recover.

"I strongly support Governor Polis's request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires," said U.S. Senator Michael Bennet. "These fires collectively burned over 140,000 acres across Custer, Pueblo, and Ouray counties and destroyed infrastructure, water supply, and hundreds of homes and structures. The costs to recovery are incredibly steep, and federal disaster funding is a necessary step to help these communities rebuild."

"The Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain Fires were tragedies that destroyed homes, scorched watersheds, and disrupted livelihoods," said Senator John Hickenlooper. "Coloradans rightfully expect the federal government to support their communities when disaster strikes. The Trump administration must swiftly approve these requests and help Colorado recover."

"Communities across Southern and Western Colorado have been hit hard by these fires, and for many families, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses, the disaster did not end when the flames were contained. Flooding and debris flows continue to threaten homes, roads, water systems, and other critical infrastructure. I strongly support Governor Polis' request for a Major Disaster Declaration so these communities have the federal resources they need to recover, rebuild, and prepare for the risks that remain. I appreciate the local first responders, emergency managers, and community leaders who have carried so much of this response, and I will continue working with the Governor and our congressional delegation to make sure Colorado gets the help it needs," said U.S. Congressman Jeff Hurd.

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"This summer, wildfires have scorched our state - leaving a path of destruction and despair. The recent Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires destroyed hundreds of homes and structures, burned more than 140,000 acres, and led to the evacuation of more than 11,000 people since the end of June. My heart is with the hundreds of people who have lost their homes and the businesses who are being pushed to the brink because of these horrific fires. I am deeply grateful to all the first responders who worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe and the community members who have stepped up to support one another," said Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen. "But these communities are facing unprecedented challenges, and it is absolutely essential that they have the federal support they need to recover and rebuild. This moment is bigger than politics. This is about people's livelihoods and well-being, not who supported you in an election."

Critical infrastructure has sustained significant damage across the affected counties. San Isabel Electric Association experienced millions of dollars in damage to power lines, transformers, and distribution infrastructure, leaving more than 2,600 customer locations without power during the height of the Aspen Acres Fire. The Pine Drive Water District also sustained damage affecting its water treatment and distribution system. To date, federal and state teams have validated approximately $17.2 million in eligible PA damages associated with the Aspen Acres Fire and approximately $1.4 million for the Gold Mountain Fire (see "Enclosure B").

Since the fires began, the State has worked quickly to respond to each disaster and provide support to local communities. Governor Polis declared a disaster emergency for the Gold Mountain Fire on June 28, and the Aspen Acres Fire on June 29. These declarations activated the State Emergency Operations Plan and directed 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. These actions made up to $266 million available for suppression, response, consequence management, mitigation, and recovery across the concurrent June fires. 93 Colorado National Guard members deployed for 12 days in support of the Aspen Acres Fire, contributing more than 13,000 hours to response efforts.

State emergency personnel have worked alongside local governments, first responders, federal partners, and voluntary organizations to conduct damage assessments, coordinate evacuations and sheltering, support rescue operations and begin long-term recovery planning. More than 20 voluntary organizations have supported cleanup and recovery in Pueblo and Custer Counties. Charitable partners have provided 504 month-long lodging stays, representing approximately 14,100 safe nights and more than $1.4 million in temporary housing support, but available resources are nearing exhaustion, underscoring the need for federal assistance.

Resources are available for Coloradans affected by wildfires, including:

Colorado Disaster Recovery Navigation Tool: After a disaster, it can be difficult to know what steps to take. The Disaster Recovery Navigation Tool provides resources for survivors and guidance on what to do in the days and months beyond a fire.

Colorado Disaster Information Hub: Provides up-to-date information, county-by-county, on disasters currently being supported by the state and links to relevant resources for those impacted.

211 Colorado Wildfire Information & Resources: Colorado 211 provides information on active wildfire warnings currently in effect and lists statewide resources available to anyone impacted by any of the wildfires across Colorado.

American Red Cross Open Shelters and Disaster Relief Services: The American Red Cross is offering assistance to Coloradans that have been forced to evacuate their homes and those whose access to essential services has been disrupted.

Colorado Association Realtors Foundation: Households displaced from their primary residence due to a Colorado summer 2026 wildfire can receive up to $1,000 in housing-related assistance, including mortgage and rental assistance. Applications will be accepted through October 30, 2026 or until available funds have been distributed.

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