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Governor Polis Provides Update on Wildfires and Floods in Colorado

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DENVER - Colorado is facing drier, hotter, and more serious fire conditions this year, worsened by a record-low snowpack this winter. Since June 27th Governor Polis has declared a disaster emergency in response to seven fires in the state and authorized the National Guard to assist in response. Over 1900 firefighters are actively fighting wildfires to protect Colorado communities, and as of this morning nearly 40 different firefighting aircraft,  17 fixed-wing aircraft and 23 rotor wing assets, from the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DPFC), federal and local partners, and other states were in Colorado to quell the flames and keep us safe. On July 24, 2026 the Governor memorialized his verbal disaster declarations and extended the disaster declarations for 30 days 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.

"Colorado is strong, and we are working closely with our local and federal partners to keep our communities safe and informed. Thank you to every firefighter, first responder and volunteer for your commitment to protecting our communities and keeping Colordans safe. We know that this is only the beginning of this fire season and I encourage all Colordans to do your part to help prevent wildfires, recreate responsibly, and take care of one another. Our strength and resilience is what makes us Coloradans and we are strongest when we support each other and work together," said Governor Polis.

Snyder Fire in Mesa County:
On June 27th, Governor Polis declared a disaster emergency in response to the Snyder Fire, which crossed the Utah border into Colorado and combined with the Jones and Knowles Fires. The Snyder Fire has burned over 30,200 acres and is at 98% containment. Based on containment this fire was handed back to local authorities on July 8. Tragically four U.S Wildland Fire Service firefighters died responding to the Knowles fire, Governor Polis ordered flags lowered on the day of their memorial to honor their bravery and sacrifice. Governor Polis visited the Fire Incident Command Post on June 29th. Governor Polis also ordered flags to be lowered in honor of firefighter Nathan Matthews the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Firefighter who passed away on July 24th as a result of injuries sustained while responding to the Knowles Fire in Mesa County. The same incident that killed firefighters Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson on June 27th.

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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 64% 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 67% 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, which allows the state to be federally reimbursed up to 75% for firefighting costs. 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.

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. Instead, nearly 100% of the rainfall runs off instantly, collecting momentum and loose soil, ash, and debris as it surges downhill, creating flash floods and catastrophic debris flows. Post-fire flooding is one of the most lethal and destructive secondary hazards following a wildfire. Given Colorado's mountainous terrain, a burn scar can transform a routine summer thunderstorm into a life-threatening wall of water, mud, and debris in a matter of minutes.

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.

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It is important to understand that the danger extends far beyond the perimeter of the fire. Communities, campsites, and roadways miles downstream from a burn scar can be overwhelmed without notice when an upstream storm dumps rain on the burn scar. Daily flood bulletins provide burn-area-specific forecasts (www.coloradofloodthreat.com/about) and people are encouraged to check the National Weather Service for their area to get real-time alerts and warnings.

Unfortunately, a burn scar does not heal overnight. The heightened risk of post-fire flash flooding and debris flows typically lasts for years; until root systems re-establish, vegetation regrows, and the hydrophobic soil layer breaks down.

As flooding is not covered by most homeowners insurance without  a specific flood-policy, homeowners in areas susceptible to post-fire flooding 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 (DisasterRecovery.colorado.gov) for more information on how to sign up for emergency alerts, secure flood insurance coverage, and get additional helpful post-fire guidance.

Willow Fire in Lake County:
Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the Willow Fire in Lake County on June 29, 2026. Currently, the Willow Fire has burned over 7,000 acres and is 66% contained. This remains a state responsibility fire. On July 5th Governor Polis announced the Willow Fire was authorized for a Fire Management Assistance Grant, which allows the state to be federally reimbursed up to 75% for firefighting costs.

Sheep Head Fire in Huerfano County:
Lt. Governor Primavera verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the Sheep  Head Fire in Huerfano County on June 30, 2026. On July, 29 the Governor memorialized the LT. Governors verbal disaster declaration.The State Incident Management Team returned the 1,322-acre, 100% contained fire back to local control on July 6, 2026.

Ferris Fire in Dolores and Montezuma Counties:
Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the Ferris Fire in Dolores and Montezuma counties on July 8, 2026. Currently, the Ferris Fire has burned over 6,000 acres and is 97% contained. The Ferris Fire has been turned back over to the San Juan National Forest.

Green Ridge Fire in Routt County:
Governor Polis verbally declared (https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/governor-polis-verbally-declares-disaster-emergency-response-green-ridge-fire-routt-county) a disaster emergency in response to the Green Ridge Fire in Routt County on July 12, 2026. The Green Ridge Fire is 100% contained and no longer under state control and has been turned back over to local jurisdictions.

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