Colorado governor requests disaster declaration from president, FEMA after Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires

Gov. Jared Polis on Sunday requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency after two different large-scale wildfires destroyed hundreds of homes and disrupted local economies this summer. The Aspen Acres Fire burned more than 100,000 acres in southern Colorado and the Gold Mountain Fire near Ouray in western Colorado burned nearly 40,000 acres.

Firefighters are still working to get full containment on both fires, and flooding is now a problem in and around both burn scars. Earlier this month, a man died in the Aspen Acres burn area when he was swept away in floodwaters.

Last year, the governor made a similar declaration for 2025's Lee Fire and Elk Fire and the president denied the request.  

According to Polis, the 2026 fires heavily damaged infrastructure that's critical to both areas and "disrupted the livelihoods of Coloradans across three counties."

"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 Democratic governor said.

In a news release announcing the Major Disaster Declaration request for federal aid, Polis said "available resources are nearing exhaustion" when it comes to providing temporary housing and continuing cleanup work. He says the state has assessed the damage from the fires "correctly and by the book." He said assessors have worked to "ensure we get it right to do all we can to support our communities affected by these disasters."

Beyond the destruction of more than 300 homes and also to some businesses, the damage from the fires and subsequent flooding in Custer, Pueblo and Ouray counties includes:

- Road and bridge damage
- Damaged power lines and transformers
- Disrupted water treatment systems
- Altered watersheds

Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Democrat who represents Colorado's 7th Congressional District -- which includes parts of southern Colorado -- said residents and businesses "are being pushed to the brink because of these horrific fires."

"These communities are facing unprecedented challenges, and it is absolutely essential that they have the federal support they need to recover and rebuild," she said in a statement that's included in the governor's news release. Colorado's U.S. senators, both Democrats, also provided statements in support of the request for FEMA aid.

Rep. Jeff Hurd, a Republican who represents Colorado's 3rd Congressional District -- which includes parts of western and southern Colorado --  also provided a statement in support of the declaration "so these communities have the federal resources they need to recover, rebuild, and prepare for the risks that remain."

"Communities across Southern and Western Colorado have been hit hard by these fires, and for many families, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses, the disaster did not end when the flames were contained. Flooding and debris flows continue to threaten homes, roads, water systems, and other critical infrastructure," Hurd said.

Polis is now asking the Trump administration to provide the following support from FEMA:

Individual Assistance (IA) for Pueblo and Custer Counties: IA would provide direct support to eligible primary households for needs such as temporary housing, home repairs, and essential personal property. The request also includes crisis counseling, disaster care management, disaster unemployment assistance, and disaster legal services.

Public Assistance (PA) for Pueblo, Custer, and Ouray Counties: PA would help state and local governments, public utilities, and certain nonprofit organizations cover eligible costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairs to roads, water systems, electric grids, and other critical public infrastructure. The request also seeks support for private-property debris removal in Pueblo and Custer Counties.

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Funding: This funding is designed to support long-term solutions that reduce the impact of future disasters in an impacted community.

"I ask the President to approve this request so Coloradans can access the support needed to recover and rebuild," Polis said.