Governor Jared Polis has officially requested a major federal disaster declaration for two destructive wildfires burning in the state this summer. Aspen Acres Fire in Pueblo and Custer counties and the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County have combined to burn over 140,000 acres, destroying 324 homes. The fires started just days apart in late June.
The request also addresses flooding and debris from burn scars.
Polis is asking Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for three forms of support: Individual assistance to address temporary housing and disaster recovery, public assistance to help local agencies cover the costs of recovery and infrastructure and hazard mitigation funding to find long-term solutions to reduce potential impacts.
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. 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. That fire is currently 74% contained.
Kevin Klein, Director of the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said yesterday, “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.”
For the details on the Governor’s request see this website: https://dhsem.colorado.gov/press-release/governor-polis-requests-major-disaster-declaration-to-support-recovery-from-aspen
