Governor Polis Requests Major Disaster Declaration from the President to Unlock FEMA Support For Recovery Efforts in Response to Elk and Lee Fires In Rio Blanco County

Senator Bennet and Congressman Hurd Lead Congressional Support for Governor's Call for Major Disaster Recovery Funding

RIO BLANCO COUNTY - Today, Governor Polis officially requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This federal declaration would unlock FEMA funding to support the recovery efforts underway in Rio Blanco County in response to the Elk and Lee Fires.

"The Elk and Lee fires ripped through Rio Blanco County, damaging property and critical infrastructure. Today, I formally requested federal FEMA support to supplement our ongoing recovery efforts. Damage from these fires and the subsequent flash flooding puts Colorado families, major energy production, and the local economy at risk. This is why Colorado is asking the federal government to continue supporting the state through these recovery efforts. By joining us in partnership, we can help communities in Rio Blanco recover from this disaster as fast as possible," said Governor Polis.

Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster Emergency on August 3, 2025 for the Elk Fire which was updated on August 6th to include the Lee Fire. The Governor also authorized the deployment of the Colorado National Guard and unlocked over $18.5 million dollars for suppression, response and recovery efforts. This verbal declaration was later memorialized through an Executive Order on August 28th. The state has demonstrated and FEMA has validated an initial $27,491,064 in damages from these fires and mudslides, which is expected to grow over time.

"This year, Colorado has experienced some of the worst fires in our state's history," said Senator Bennet. "I strongly support the Governor's request for federal assistance in Rio Blanco County's recovery. Without federal support, Coloradans are at risk for increased electricity costs, damage to the local economy, loss of farming and grazing lands, and ongoing safety hazards from the fires. I am urging the President to declare a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration and Public Assistance for this community."

"The devastation from the Lee and Elk wildfires and mudslides in Rio Blanco County is heartbreaking. Families have lost homes, businesses are gone, and critical infrastructure has been severely damaged. I fully support Governor Polis's request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. Federal assistance is urgently needed to help communities rebuild, restore essential services, and protect livelihoods tied to agriculture, energy, and outdoor recreation. I will continue working with local, state, and federal partners to ensure Rio Blanco County gets the help it needs," said Congressman Jeff Hurd.

"The Lee and Elk Fires have caused significant physical, environmental, and economic impacts to Rio Blanco County. As their State Senator, I have seen firsthand the devastation of Colorado's fifth biggest wildfire in state history and know that the recovery is just beginning with many years ahead of flooding and continued fire risk. With a FEMA Disaster Declaration and support from the federal government, along with a strong and determined local leadership and community strength, Meeker and Rio Blanco County can recover stronger than ever. Thank you to Governor Polis for making this crucial request - I stand in strong support and respectfully ask the Trump Administration to help our shared constituents," said State Senator Dylan Roberts.

"Colorado communities are resilient, but the scope of devastation from the Elk and Lee Fires requires every level of government to step up. Families, ranchers, and small businesses in Rio Blanco County are facing losses they cannot recover from alone. I strongly support Governor Polis' request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration so we can bring federal resources to bear, help restore critical infrastructure, and protect the livelihoods that sustain this region. I will continue standing with our communities until recovery is complete," said State Representative Meghan Lukens.

Rio Blanco County's economy is driven largely by energy production, particularly from the Piceance Basin, which produces approximately two to five percent of the United States' daily consumption of natural gas. This local industry is powered by two local utility providers who have sustained over $24 million in damages to their infrastructure. Without support to recover local utility infrastructure, stalled production risks the local economy, major rate increases on Coloradans, and local economic collapse.

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