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Governor Polis Provides Update on Colorado Fires, Thanks Brave Frontline Firefighters Keeping Coloradans Safe

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DENVER ~ Denver, CO - As Colorado faces drier, hotter, and more severe fire conditions this year, Governor Jared Polis has declared a disaster emergency in response to seven fires in the state. The record-low snowpack this winter has only worsened the situation.

Since June 27th, Governor Polis has authorized the National Guard to assist in response to the fires and declared a disaster emergency. Over 4,000 firefighters are actively fighting wildfires to protect Colorado communities. As of this morning, nearly 72 different firefighting aircraft from various agencies and states are in Colorado to help contain the flames and keep residents safe.

The current situation has resulted in over 15,000 Coloradans being evacuated and over 340 structures being lost. Governor Polis expressed his gratitude for the bravery and service of the thousands of frontline firefighters who are risking their lives to protect Coloradans, homes, businesses, and communities.

Tragically, three firefighters and one fire aviation pilot have lost their lives while responding to these fires. In honor of their bravery and sacrifice, Governor Polis ordered flags to be lowered on the day of their memorial. He also visited the Fire Incident Command Post on June 29th.

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One of the major fires that Governor Polis declared a disaster emergency for is the Snyder Fire in Mesa County. This fire crossed over from Utah into Colorado and combined with the Jones and Knowles Fires. It burned over 30,000 acres and is now 98% contained. The Knowles Fire resulted in the deaths of three U.S Wildland Fire Service firefighters.

Another fire that remains a state responsibility is the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County. It has burned over 37,000 acres and is currently only 13% contained. As of July 1st, it was authorized for a Fire Management Assistance Grant which allows for up to 75% reimbursement for firefighting costs.

In Pueblo and Custer Counties, the Aspen Acres Fire has burned over 99,000 acres and is 48% contained. It has destroyed 347 structures and has forced over 15,000 Coloradans to evacuate. Governor Polis visited the fire's Incident Command Post on July 2nd and the Pueblo Disaster Assistance Center on July 14th.

The Willow Fire in Lake County has burned over 6,900 acres and is currently 37% contained. It has resulted in mandatory evacuations for 62 Coloradans. On July 5th, Governor Polis announced that it was authorized for a Fire Management Assistance Grant.

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In Huerfano County, the Big Sheep Fire has burned over 1,300 acres and is now fully contained. The Ferris Fire in Dolores and Montezuma Counties has burned over 64,000 acres and is currently only 53% contained. And in Routt County, the Green Ridge Fire has burned over 40 acres and is now at a containment level of 75%.

Governor Polis verbally declared disaster emergencies for both the Ferris Fire on July 8th and the Green Ridge Fire on July 12th. These fires remain a state responsibility until they are fully contained.

The state of Colorado continues to work tirelessly to coordinate response efforts across all of these fires. They are also focused on preventing any new fires from starting and supporting those who have been evacuated or lost their homes due to these devastating fires.

Governor Polis urges all Coloradans to be fire safe, support the brave firefighters risking their lives, and refrain from creating any new fires that could further stretch resources and put more people in danger. The state will continue to provide updates as they work towards containing these destructive wildfires.

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