Colorado Governor Jared Polis has officially requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to aid recovery efforts following the devastating Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain Fires, and subsequent flooding and debris flows. The declaration seeks crucial individual and public assistance for residents and infrastructure in Pueblo, Custer, and Ouray Counties.
The fires destroyed over 300 homes, damaged critical infrastructure, and severely impacted livelihoods across the three counties. The subsequent flooding and debris flows exacerbated the destruction, claiming one life. Governor Polis emphasized the necessity of federal support, saying, "These disasters clearly meet all the requirements for a major disaster declaration, and the flooding and debris flows that followed have caused further destruction and claimed a life. Colorado has committed significant resources to this response, but the scale of this disaster requires a strong partnership among federal, state, and local governments for a successful recovery."
The request outlines three forms of FEMA support: Individual Assistance for Pueblo and Custer Counties, providing direct aid for temporary housing, home repairs, and essential personal property, alongside crisis counseling and unemployment assistance. Public Assistance is sought for Pueblo, Custer, and Ouray Counties to cover costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairs to public infrastructure like roads and utility systems. Additionally, the state is seeking FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Funding to implement long-term solutions aimed at reducing the impact of future disasters.
Governor Polis expressed gratitude to first responders, local leaders, and Colorado's congressional delegation for their efforts. He urged President Trump to approve the request, saying, "I ask the President to approve this request so Coloradans can access the support needed to recover and rebuild." The Governor had previously declared disaster emergencies for both fires in late June, activating the State Emergency Operations Plan and allocating up to $266 million for response and recovery.