October 2020 WILDFIRE UPDATE Cameron Peak Fire: 206,977 acres and 57% contained. Cameron Peak had resources diverted to Estes Park to address potential spread from the East Troublesome Fire. Calwood Fire: 10,073 acres and 55% contained. Moderate fire behavior. Lefthand Canyon Fire: 460 acres and 100% contained. Minimal fire behavior and total containment. East Troublesome Fire: 170,163 acres and 5% contained. Continued active fire behavior and growth. Remains primarily in Life Safety Mode. Mandatory evacuations and road closures remain in effect. Mandatory evacuations issued yesterday for Estes Park. Inbound traffic to Estes Park was closed for Hwy 34, Hwy 36, and the Peak to Peak Hwy. Middle Fork Fire: 20,194 acres and 1% contained. Williams Fork Fire: 14,670 acres and 30% contained. Ice Fire: 596 acres and 30% contained. Fire behavior can change rapidly due to weather conditions; fluctuation in temperatures and wind play a significant role in driving the growth of many of these fires. Active wildfires lead to poorer air quality that could trigger respiratory symptoms. Those experiencing symptoms are encouraged to get a free, quick, and easy COVID-19 test. Know where to go by visiting covid19.colorado.gov/testing. Governor Polis encourages Coloradans to remember that with the rise of COVID-19 in our state, it is critical that Coloradans stay safer at home whenever possible, and limit any socializing to one other household and less than ten people. EVACUEES VISIT This morning, Governor Polis was joined by Congressman for Colorado’s 2nd District, Joe Neguse, Steve Kudron, Grand Lake Mayor, Grand County Commissioners, and cabinet members; Dan Gibbs, Department of National Resources Executive Director, Stan Hilkey, Department of Public Safety Director, and Shoshana Lew, Department of Transportation Director, to meet with East Troublesome Fire evacuees in Winter Park. This visit was part of a regional tour with stops in Larimer and Boulder counties, in addition to Grand County, to see the impacts of the fires in each community. In Grand Lake alone, 7,040 homes were evacuated. Like many who have been displaced by wildfires in our state and other parts of the country, evacuees who have fled their homes in Grand Lake, Granby, and the surrounding areas, do not know when they can return or what they will find when they do. In response, communities are taking care of one another, doing everything from offering up their homes to evacuees to taking in livestock. As many first responders and their families have been evacuated themselves, the Governor and the State of Colorado are grateful for responders’ continued support of efforts on the ground against all odds. ROCKY MOUNTAIN METROPOLITAN AIRPORT VISIT During a visit to Rocky Mountain Metro Airport, the Governor learned about the state’s utilization of air support to fight fires. Vital aircraft resources include:  Six large airtankers; Two Water Scoopers; Nine single-engine airtankers; 41 helicopters standing by; and Thirty-nine helicopters remain committed to specific fires. Temporary flight restrictions remain in place over the Cameron Peak, East Troublesome, Williams Fork, Middle Fork, Calwood, Lefthand and Ice fires. INCIDENT COMMAND CENTER AND TOUR In Loveland, the Governor visited the Incident Command Center for the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome Fires, and received a briefing on the latest movements of each fire and resources used for containment. And this afternoon, Boulder Sheriff Joe Pelle joined the Governor to lead a tour through the Mountain Ridge neighborhood. Devastated by the Calwood and Lefthand Canyon Fires, Mountain Ridge residents were allowed to return to their homes to assess the damage. Most Coloradans are impacted by these fires from a distance, whether it’s having to take a different route home due to road closures or experiencing respiratory symptoms due to poor air quality. But for thousands of people in our state, these fires mean upheaval. The Governor hopes to shed light on the harsh reality these Coloradans are facing. While scenes of dark, smoky skies, blackened forest floors, and damaged property on social media have become familiar, it is important to remember that behind every photo and fire statistic reported, is a person. FEDERAL WILDFIRE RESPONSE Following visits with evacuees and tours of the damage, the Governor went live from Lefhand Canyon with Congressman Neguse. Congressman Neguse provided an update on the federal government’s response to the fires, noting that his district is currently dealing with five fires and has continued to push for additional federal resources. Earlier this week, the Congressman announced the authorizationof FEMA-funded Fire Management Grants to fight the Calwood and East Troublesome fires, which were authorized back in September to fight the fast-moving Cameron Peak Fire. Additional federal action taken includes: Passage of an amendment to add an additional $5 million in funds for the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP). Passage of an amendment to study wildfire smoke and improve smoke forecasts. Letter campaign sent with other members of the Colorado delegation requesting that the United States Forest Service (USFS) and Natural Resources Conservation Center (NRCS) work with the State of Colorado and local governments to address threats from the Cameron Peak fire to the region’s watersheds and supply. For more information on federal action, you can view Congressman Neguse’s Colorado Wildfire Resource Guide here. The Governor highlighted the response efforts of firefighters on the ground; professionals and volunteers, Incident Command Teams, Emergency Managers, and communities who have stepped up to do their part. This type of coordination at all levels of government ensures we are doing everyone we can to contain these fires as soon as possible. HOW COLORADANS CAN HELP Coloradans can support the fire response efforts by donating to:  ColoradoResponds.org: This site connects donors to verified organizations so that those impacted by wildfires can continue to receive assistance. To support Coloradans affected by the Boulder County Fires, donate to: www.commfound.org/2020firesfund or BoulderCountyFires.com. To support Coloradans affected by the Larimer County Fires, donate to: LarimerCountyFires.com. To support Coloradans affected by the East Troublesome Fire, donate to: GrandCountyFires.com. Early notification saves lives. Sign up for county and statewide emergency alerts at ColoradoFireAlerts.com. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Visit Website Office of Governor Jared Polis | 136 State Capitol , Denver, CO 80203 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by [email protected]