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

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 4,000 firefighters are actively fighting wildfires to protect Colorado communities, and as of this morning nearly 72 different firefighting aircraft, 35 fixed-wing aircraft and 37 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. Right now, more than 15,000 Coloradans are evacuated and over 340 structures have been lost.

"I am deeply grateful for the bravery and service of the thousands of frontline firefighters who are risking their lives across the state to protect Coloradans, homes, businesses, and communities. Colorado has been devastated by the deaths of three firefighters and one fire aviation pilot in response to these fires, and we owe a debt of gratitude to them and their fellow crew members who are putting themselves in harm's way to stop these fires. The state is working around the clock to coordinate response across a number of fires and we have made significant progress. We are also focused on preventing any new fires from growing, and supporting the thousands of Coloradans who were evacuated and may have lost homes, belongings, and businesses. I urge Coloradans to be fire safe, support our brave firefighters, and do not create any new fires in our state that will stretch our resources and put more people in danger," 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 burned 30,202 acres and is 98% contained. Based on containment this fire was handed back to local authorities on July 8. Tragically three U.S Wildland Fire Service firefighters died responding to the Knowels 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.

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. This remains a state responsibility fire and has burned 37,735 acres and is 13% contained. 112 Coloradans are under mandatory evacuation. 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 reimbursed up to 75% for firefighting costs.

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. This remains a state responsibility fire and has burned 99,820 acres and 48% contained, has destroyed 347 structures, and has 15,561 Coloradans under mandatory evacuation. On June 20th Governor Polis announced the Aspen Acres Fire was authorized for a Fire Management Assistance Grant, which allows the state to be 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.

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. The Willow Fire remains a state responsibility fire and has burned 6,967 acres, is 37% contained, and has 62 Coloradans under mandatory evacuation. On July 5th Governor Polis announced the Willow Fire was authorized for a Fire Management Assistance Grant, which allows the state to be reimbursed up to 75% for firefighting costs.

Big Sheep Fire in Huerfano County:

Lt. Governor Primavera verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the Big Sheep Fire in Huerfano County on June 30, 2026. The Big Sheep Fire has burned 1,322 acres and is 100% contained. Based on containment this fire was handed back to local authorities 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. The Ferris fire remains a state responsibility fire and has burned 64,876 acres and is 53% contained.

Green Ridge Fire in Routt County:

Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the Green Ridge Fire in Routt County on July 12, 2026. The Green Ridge Fire remains a state responsibility fire and has burned 41 acres and is 75% contained. Based on containment this fire was handed back to local authorities on July 16, 2026.

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