To view this email as a web page, click here.
Governor Jared Polis' stylized logo of the Colorado flag.

THE GOVERNOR'S  NEWSLETTER


GOVERNOR'S WEBSITE
PRESS RELEASES
STATE JOB BOARD
COLORADO BILL TRACKER

August 15, 2025

Preventing Wildfires

It’s hot and dry here in Colorado, and we all must do our part to prevent wildfires, which includes avoiding using fireworks, knowing and following fire codes and restrictions related to shooting, and campfires. Wildfires cause great destruction and force people out of their homes, put first responders at risk, and worsen our air quality, so let’s stay safe.

Remember to check for local camping and fire restrictions in your area and never leave a campfire unattended. If it is safe to build a campfire, make sure that when you are finished, the fire is completely extinguished. When doing yard work, keep fire safety in mind when safely burning debris. Always remember to have a water source nearby for your fire and be sure your fire is at least 15 feet from any flammable structures or fuel like hanging branches. 
Wildfire Safety Information

Working Together to Support Wildfire Response, Prevention, and Safety

Governor Polis addresses the staff at the Turner Gulch fire incident command post from behind a podium and in front of the map of the Turner Gulch fire.

This week, I signed an Executive Order declaring a disaster emergency in Colorado due to critical fire weather conditions and record-level fire indices that are fueling multiple fires and continued fire risk across Colorado to further support the state’s early attack on new fire starts. I also visited the Incident Command Post for the Turner Gulch fire. I was briefed on containment efforts and thanked the first responders and emergency personnel for their work to protect Coloradans and communities.

Colorado is facing several major wildfires, and our firefighters are stepping up to protect our communities. I’m so proud of and grateful for our firefighters, and how our state and local governments are working closely together to protect people, property and livestock, and keep Colorado open for business despite the challenging fire season. 

We are actively supporting fire detection and suppression efforts on multiple fronts. This new action will bolster our ability to jump on fires early in partnership with local communities, and will help ensure the state, in partnership with local communities, has the resources necessary to combat wildfires this season.

There are currently 2,395 personnel assigned to 9 large fires, which have burned more than 185,000 acres. There are currently a total of 24 uncontained fires across Colorado.

I encourage all Coloradans to seek assistance by visiting the following resources for wildfire prevention and safety:
 

Federal Agency Information Sources

The first source of information for multiple fires: InciWeb Map of Wildfires in the U.S. or InciWeb on X
 

Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control

  • DFPC Colorado Wildland Fire Status Dashboard

CO Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (DHSEM) and State Emergency Operations Center

  • DHSEM Website: Daily Blog Update with SEOC Information and Links Statewide
  • DHSEM Recovery Website: Disaster Assistance Center and Survivor Portal Links
  • Disaster Survivor Portal Lee and Elk Fires
  • COEmergency Crisis Communications Website
  • DHSEM Social Media Accounts shares updates throughout the Day and connects you to official sources for current and future events:
    • DHSEM on X
      • List of Twitter Accounts sharing official information
    • DHSEM on Facebook
    • DHSEM on Instagram

Donations and Volunteers

We encourage the community to check with official sources and Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (COVOAD) for specific information on what is needed.  Unsolicited donations and volunteers negatively affect the incidents. Cash is the best way to help those impacted by disasters as it meets their immediate and specific needs. 
  • COVOAD How to Help
  • Specific Information About the Rio Blanco Fire
  • Link for Future Specific Donation Requests

Emergency Alerts

Sign up for emergency notifications with your county on the DHSEM website.

Public Health Resources

  • Smoke and Air Quality Map
  • Air Advisory Page - Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Additional County Resources for Specific Wildfires:

Rio Blanco County:
  • Rio Blanco County Website
  • Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office Facebook
  • Disaster Survivor Portal Lee and Elk Fires
  • Elk Lee Fires Facebook
  • Evacuation Map for Lee and Elk Fires
Garfield County:
  • Garfield County Emergency Communications Authority Facebook
  • Garfield County Sheriff's Office Facebook
  • Garfield County Website
Western Slope:
  • West Slope Fire Info
  • Crosho Fire - Rio Blanco & Routt Counties
  • Routt County Emergency Management Website for evacuation map and road closures Facebook
  • Leroux Fire - Delta County
  • Stoner Mesa Fire - Dolores County Facebook
  • Turner Gulch - Mesa County Facebook
  • Oak Fire - Archuleta County Facebook
  • Peninsula Fire - San Miguel County Sheriff's Office Facebook

FIRST GENTLEMAN'S CORNER
Over the course of the next sixteen months, First Gentleman Marlon Reis will be hosting regular educational events at the Governor’s Mansion. Subject matter experts will present on the issue briefly, with time for audience Q&A afterwards.

Upcoming Speaker Series:

  • EVENT: Speaker Series on Animal Issues
  • WHEN: Tuesday, August 19th, 10:30am-12pm
  • WHERE: The Governor’s Residence at the Boettecher Mansion, 400 E 8th Ave, Denver, CO, 8020
  • ABOUT: The environmental, ethical, and animal welfare concerns surrounding the emerging Octopus farming industry.
  • Please RSVP via this registration form if you plan to attend.
EVENTS & NEWS CORNER
🎡2025 Colorado State Fair & Rodeo: August 22 - September 1, 2025 
 
The Colorado State Fair is 11 days of fun ending Labor Day. Every year there are new activities and educational opportunities for Colorado citizens and visitors to enjoy. The fair has been a focal point for the Pueblo community and will continue to be well into the future.
  • Location: 1001 Beulah Ave. Pueblo, CO 81004
  • Visit the Colorado State Fair website to learn more and purchase tickets.
JOB OPENINGS

Adjutant General & Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Military and Veteran Affairs

Federal Affairs Advisor

Legislative Coordinator

Operations Coordinator

Deputy Legal Counsel

PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS
Celebrating Colorado Day (August 1)
Announcing Education Roadmap (July 29)
Celebrate Colorado Starting This Weekend, and Survey Results (July 24)
A Reminder to Submit the Bridge Survey (July 21)
Announcing A Survey on Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway (July 16)
Happy 4th of July, Colorado! (July 3)
Celebrating the End of the 2025 Bill Signing Tour (June 9)
Stay Updated with Governor Polis!
FacebookFacebook
TwitterTwitter
InstagramInstagram
Governor Polis| colorado.gov/governor
Governor's Office Accessibility Statement
This email was sent by: Colorado Governor's Office Proper
200 E Colfax Ave Denver, CO, 80203, USA

 
Update Profile
Update Profile