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Governor Polis Issues Executive Orders to Memorialize Verbal Disaster Declarations that Provided Resources for Recent Colorado Wildfires

Government and Politics

August 28, 2024

From: Colorado Governor Jared Polis

DENVER - On August 28, 2024, Governor Polis issued four Executive Orders to memorialize the verbal disaster declarations for the Currant Creek Fire, Alexander Mountain Fire, Stone Mountain Fire, and the Quarry Fire. The Executive Orders also memorialize the Governor’s verbal authorization on July 31 to employ unarmed Colorado National Guard members, if needed, to support fire suppression efforts, and assist law enforcement agencies with traffic control, security needs, and incident management. 

“I’m proud of Colorado’s swift response to these wildfires and thank our first responders, firefighters, and National Guard for working tirelessly to fight the fires, and protect lives and homes, as well as those across the state providing necessary care and resources to support recovery efforts. I am saddened by the life and property lost and my thoughts are with the Coloradans affected by these fires,” said Governor Polis. 

The first Executive Order issued by the Governor affirms a verbal disaster declaration for the Currant Creek Fire in Delta County on July 30, 2024. The Executive Order allocates funds for costs associated with the State’s fire suppression, response, consequence management, statewide hazard mitigation, and recovery efforts. As of August 5, 2024, the fire is 100% contained. 

The second Executive Order issued by the Governor affirms a verbal disaster declaration for the Alexander Mountain Fire in Larimer County on July 30, 2024. The Executive Order allocates funds for costs associated with the State’s fire suppression, response, consequence management, statewide hazard mitigation, and recovery efforts. As of August 17, 2024, the fire is 100% contained. 

The third Executive Order issued by the Governor affirms a verbal disaster declaration for the Stone Mountain Fire in Boulder and Larimer Counties on July 30, 2024. The Executive Order allocates funds for costs associated with the State’s fire suppression, response, consequence management, statewide hazard mitigation, and recovery efforts. As of August 4, 2024, the fire is 100% contained. 

The final Executive Order issued by the Governor affirms a verbal disaster declaration for the Quarry Fire in Jefferson County on July 31, 2024. The Executive Order allocates funds for costs associated with the State’s fire suppression, response, consequence management, statewide hazard mitigation, and recovery efforts. As of August 4, 2024, the fire is 100% contained. The Executive Orders also direct state agencies to pursue all available federal funding for response and recovery operations, including from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).