Gov. Jared Polis has requested a Major Disaster Declaration to aid recovery from the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires and subsequent flooding in the burn scars.

COLORADO, USA — On Sunday, Gov. Jared Polis officially requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support recovery from two wildfires and the subsequent flooding and debris flows on both burn scars.

Polis requested a declaration for the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires. The request includes individual and public assistance for people in Pueblo and Custer counties, and public assistance support for residents in Ouray County, according to a media release from the governor. Polis also requested that the federal incident period begin on June 27, 2026 and end on July 29, 2026, following the flooding and debris flows that continue to affect both burn scars.

“The Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain Fires destroyed over 300 homes, damaged critical infrastructure and disrupted the livelihoods of Coloradans across three counties. 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. We have been working to assess the damage correctly and by the book and ensure we get it right to do all we can to support our communities affected by these disasters,” Polis said in a news release.

The Gold Mountain Fire began on June 27 just northeast of Ouray. It has burned over 39,700 acres and is 87% contained. Two days later, the Aspen Acres Fire started in Custer County and spread to Pueblo County. It has burned over 102,000 acres and is 77% contained.

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