Governor Polis has declared disaster emergencies in response to seven wildfires burning across Colorado since June 27, 2026, with more than 1,900 firefighters and nearly 40 aircraft actively engaged in firefighting efforts statewide.

Record-low snowpack this winter has contributed to drier, hotter, and more serious fire conditions. On July 24, 2026, Governor Polis memorialized verbal disaster declarations and extended them for 30 days for the Snyder Fire in Mesa County, the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County, the Willow Fire in Lake County, and the Aspen Acres Fire in Custer and Pueblo counties.

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"Colorado is strong, and we are working closely with our local and federal partners to keep our communities safe and informed. Thank you to every firefighter, first responder and volunteer for your commitment to protecting our communities and keeping Coloradans safe. We know that this is only the beginning of this fire season and I encourage all Coloradans to do your part to help prevent wildfires, recreate responsibly, and take care of one another. Our strength and resilience is what makes us Coloradans and we are strongest when we support each other and work together," said Governor Polis.

Snyder Fire, Mesa County: Governor Polis declared a disaster emergency June 27, 2026, in response to the Snyder Fire, which crossed the Utah border into Colorado and combined with the Jones and Knowles fires. The fire has burned over 30,200 acres and reached 98 percent containment before being handed back to local authorities on July 8. Five U.S. Wildland Fire Service firefighters died in connection with the Knowles Fire. Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson died June 27, and Nathan Matthews died July 24, 2026, from injuries sustained in the same incident. Governor Polis ordered flags lowered to honor their sacrifice.

Gold Mountain Fire, Ouray County: Governor Polis declared a disaster emergency June 28, 2026. The fire has burned over 39,000 acres and is 64 percent contained. It remains a state responsibility fire. On July 1, 2026, the fire was authorized for a Fire Management Assistance Grant, allowing the state to be federally reimbursed up to 75 percent of firefighting costs. Fire Helicopter Pilot Nicholas Dale died July 12, 2026, while supporting firefighting efforts for this fire.

Aspen Acres Fire, Pueblo and Custer counties: Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency June 29, 2026. The fire has burned over 101,000 acres and is 67 percent contained. It remains a state responsibility fire and has been authorized for a Fire Management Assistance Grant, allowing up to 75 percent federal reimbursement of firefighting costs. Governor Polis visited the Incident Command Post in Pueblo on July 2, 2026, and the Pueblo Disaster Assistance Center on July 14, 2026.

Willow Fire, Lake County: Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency June 29, 2026. The fire has burned over 7,000 acres and is 66 percent contained. It remains a state responsibility fire and was authorized for a Fire Management Assistance Grant on July 5, allowing up to 75 percent federal reimbursement of firefighting costs.

Sheep Head Fire, Huerfano County: Lieutenant Governor Primavera verbally declared a disaster emergency June 30, 2026. Governor Polis memorialized that declaration on July 29. The 1,322-acre fire reached 100 percent containment and was returned to local control on July 6, 2026.

Ferris Fire, Dolores and Montezuma counties: Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency July 8, 2026. The fire has burned over 6,000 acres and is 97 percent contained. It has been turned back over to the San Juan National Forest.

Green Ridge Fire, Routt County: Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency July 12, 2026. The fire is 100 percent contained and has been returned to local jurisdictions.

Post-fire flooding poses a serious and ongoing threat in areas affected by the fires. When rain falls on a burn scar, nearly 100 percent of rainfall runs off instantly, collecting soil, ash, and debris and creating flash floods and debris flows. Flooding has been most significant in Ouray County from the Gold Mountain Fire burn scar and in Pueblo and Custer counties from the Aspen Acres burn scar. The state is working with local governments to clear impacted roads and restore safe passage.

The danger extends far beyond the fire perimeter. Communities, campsites, and roadways miles downstream from a burn scar can be overwhelmed without warning. The heightened risk of post-fire flash flooding and debris flows typically lasts for years, until root systems re-establish, vegetation regrows, and the hydrophobic soil layer breaks down.

Residents are urged to check daily flood bulletins at www.coloradofloodthreat.com/about and to monitor the National Weather Service for real-time alerts. Flooding is not covered by most homeowners insurance without a specific flood policy; homeowners in susceptible areas should consider flood insurance through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov. Coloradans can also use the Disaster Recovery Navigation tool at DisasterRecovery.colorado.gov for guidance on emergency alerts, flood insurance, and post-fire resources.