Hickenlooper, Bennet, Rosen Colleagues Demand More FEMA Assistance for Wildfires

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Michael Bennet, Jacky Rosen, and joined seven of their Senate colleagues in urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that all communities receive the federal resources they need to respond to and prevent wildfires.

"Wildfires are one of the most frequently recurring disasters that, while once common only to western states, have recently become a major threat to communities across the country," wrote the senators. "These wildfires can be lethal and destroy critical infrastructure and entire residential communities, negatively affect public health through harmful smoke and air pollutants, and place large economic burdens on urban and rural communities."

States can request financial assistance from FEMA through Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) to help cover costs relating to emergencies, firefighting activities, and administrative costs. After an FMAG is declared, states can request assistance to help impacted communities rebuild and mitigate future wildfire disasters through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Post Fire. However, many communities are still waiting for HMGP Post Fire funds from previous wildfire disasters, which has left them vulnerable to current and future wildfire disasters.

"As we approach the summer months and prepare for above normal wildfire activity, we urge you to ensure FEMA can quickly respond to future wildfires and that FMAG and HMGP Post Fire funds are promptly approved and distributed to communities, including those in rural areas," the senators concluded.

Hickenlooper and Bennet recently visited the Aspen Acres Fire burn site in Beulah, Colorado, meeting with first responders and community members impacted by the devastating fire.

Both senators have been consistent advocates for FEMA support for Colorado communities. In January 2026, Hickenlooper and the entire Colorado delegation supported Governor Jared Polis' appeal to President Donald Trump's decision to deny Major Disaster Declarations for the Lee and Elk Fires in August 2025 and the Southwest Colorado flooding in October 2025. Hickenlooper and Bennet also introduced the Disaster Declaration Transparency Act to give Congress the power to override presidential denials and ensure communities receive FEMA disaster assistance.

Full text of the letter is available HERE.

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