DENVER - Today, Governor Polis reflects ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Marshall Fire and Straight-Line Winds and stands in solidarity with those affected by this devastating event. The Polis administration along with local governments, non-profits, federal partners and others have worked to provide robust support and funding for the community as they rebuild stronger and more resiliently.

“As we look back on the one-year since the horrific  Marshall Fire, we remember a painful day of destruction and loss for our community. It has been a long and hard recovery, and there is still more left to do, but each day I hope we get closer and closer to rebuilding some of what was lost," said Governor Polis. "I want to thank all those who worked to support the affected community over the last year. The incredible support from so many across the state made me proud to be a Coloradan. As we reflect on the devastation this fire caused and look towards the future, my administration is committed to continuing to help communities rebuild stronger and more resiliently and ensure Colorado is prepared for future natural disasters."

The Marshall Fire destroyed more than 1,000 homes and businesses and is known as the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history. In the aftermath of the fire, the Polis administration has worked to deliver relief to those affected and support people and businesses as they navigate the rebuilding process. Additionally, Governor Polis signed new laws to better prepare Colorado for future natural disasters, prevent wildfires and ensure efficient responses when natural disasters occur to support recovery.

Laws Governor Polis signed this year to expand natural disaster mitigation and preparedness include:

    SB22-206: Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Resources sponsored by Sen. Fenberg and Rep. Amabile, provides transformative new support for communities affected by natural disasters and improves statewide response strategies. It also creates the Office of Climate Preparedness which focuses on long-term wildfire mitigation efforts and efficient responses to natural disasters.

    HB22-1012: Wildfire Mitigation and Recovery sponsored by Representatives Cutter and D. Valdez and Senators Ginal and Lee, invests in wildfire mitigation and forest management projects to limit wildfire risk and prevent spread.

    SB22-007: Increase Wildfire Risk Mitigation Outreach Efforts sponsored by Senators Story and Lee and Representatives Cutter and Snyder, calls for the creation and distribution of an informative wildfire risk and mitigation campaign to be distributed to the public during wildfire awareness month. 

    HB22-1132: Regulation and Services for Wildfire Mitigation sponsored by Representatives Holtorf and Exum and Senator Liston, applies new regulations for controlled burns including properly alerting authorities ahead of time.

Governor Polis also supported the creation of new grant programs to provide funding to local governments and organizations to implement wildfire mitigation strategies that best meet their communities' challenges. HB22-1011, sponsored by Representatives Cutter and Snyder and Senator Story and Lee, created the wildfire mitigation incentives for local government grant program to support local forest management and wildfire mitigation projects. HB22-1007, sponsored by Representatives D. Valdez and Lynch and Senators Simpson and Lee, created the wildfire mitigation resources and best practices grant program to allow local entities to create outreach campaigns that educate homeowners about wildfire risks and mitigation strategies to best protect their homes.

This summer, Governor Polis signed an Executive Order directing all state agencies and departments to provide up to five additional paid leave days for volunteer firefighters and emergency responders. Many of Colorado’s firefighters are volunteers and the increased paid days off gives volunteer emergency responders more ability and support to respond when emergencies occur.

As Colorado faces the reality of a year-round wildfire season, innovative preparation and prevention strategies are increasingly important. Since taking office, the Polis administration has invested around $145 million of state and federal funds to implement effective wildfire mitigation and prevention projects and ensure Coloradans affected by natural disasters can access resources to rebuild. Investments also allow for an improved and more efficient response to natural disasters, including transformative resources like a fire hawk helicopter.