Governor Polis Provides Update on Status of Wildfires and Floods in Colorado

DENVER - Since June 27th, Governor Polis has declared a disaster emergency in response to thirteen fires in the state and authorized the National Guard to assist in response. Currently across Colorado there are over 780 personnel assigned to seven large fires to protect Colorado communities. Additionally, today in the Rocky Mountain Area, aerial resources include 31 fixed-wing aircrafts 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 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. 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 Dolores Counties and Green Ridge Fire in Routt County.

Yesterday, August 13, 2026, Lt Governor Primavera issued a verbal disaster declaration for the Post Fire, Sheep Pen Fire, High Fence Fire, and Gotera Fire all in Las Animas County.

• The Post Fire is currently at 4,205 acres and is 25% contained.
• The Sheep Pen Fire is at 7123 acres and 0% contained.
• The High Fence Fire is currently estimated to be 121 acres and 0% contained.
• The Gotera Fire is currently estimated to be 23 acres and 0% contained.

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 87% 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.

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The Colorado Department of Local Affairs has provided funding for Ouray County for a  Recovery Manager to lead and coordinate the County's long-term recovery efforts following the Gold Mountain Fire and subsequent flooding and debris flow events.

The State is working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and project sponsors on planning, project development, and securing necessary funding for work to protect against flood risks from the Gold Mountain Fire burn scar in Ouray County.

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 102,000 acres and is 72% 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.

The Department of Local Affairs has provided financial assistance to Pueblo County to hire a  Community Recovery and Resilience Manager. This role will lead Pueblo County's long-term disaster recovery and resilience program, initially focusing on recovery efforts following the Aspen Acres Fire.

The State Recovery Task Force is working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and project sponsors on planning, project development, and securing necessary funding for work to protect against flood risks from the Aspen Acres burn scar in Pueblo and Custer Counties.

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 7,500 acres and is 67% contained. On July 5th, Governor Polis announced the Willow Fire was authorized for a Fire Management Assistance Grant. As of July 31, 2026, the Willow Fire is no longer under state control and has been turned back over to the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and the Cimarron and Comanche National Grassland.

Indian Creek Fire in Jackson County

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Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the Indian Creek Fire on August 5, 2026 The Indian Creek Fire is 100% contained as of August 11, 2026 and is no longer under state control and was turned back over to local jurisdictions.

310 Fire in Garfield County

Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the 310 Fire in Garfield County on August 7, 2026. The 310 Fire is currently estimated to be 603 acres and 96% contained. As of August 13, 2026, the 310 Fire is no longer under state control and was turned back over to local jurisdictions.

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.

Coloradans are encouraged to utilize the Disaster Recovery Navigation tool (http://disasterrecovery.colorado.gov/) 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 for affected areas, check local community pages.

• Gold Mountain Fire
  • Ouray County Flooding Resource and Information (https://ouraycountyco.gov/548/Gold-Mountain-Fire-flooding-Information)
  • Ouray County Flood Resources and Information Center (https://ouraycountyco.gov/569/2026-Ouray-County-Flood-Resources-and-In)
  • Ouray County Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/ouraycountygov)
• Aspen Acres Fire
  • Pueblo Sheriff Aspen Acres Fire Recovery Resources Page (https://pueblosheriff.org/449/Aspen-Acres-Fire-Recovery-Resources)
  • Pueblo County Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/PuebloCounty)
  • Custer County Website (https://custercounty-co.gov/)
  • Custer County Sheriff Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/CCSOAdmin)
• Willow Fire
  • Lake County Willow Fire Information (https://www.lakecountyco.gov/599/Willow-Fire)
  • Lake County Office of Emergency Management Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LCOEM)

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