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NewsNoticias Tampa Bay (Univision)August 21, 2026Hillsborough

Governor Polis extends disaster declarations for Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain wildfires

Governor Jared Polis has extended disaster declarations for the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain wildfires to facilitate ongoing recovery efforts and address secondary risks like flooding and landslides. The order maintains state resource deployment, authorizes the use of unarmed Colorado National Guard members, and temporarily lifts licensing restrictions for out-of-state emergency medical providers.

wildfiresemergency_managementdisaster_reliefpublic_safetyflooding
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Why It Matters

Residents in Pueblo, Custer, and Ouray counties remain under emergency status, which ensures continued state funding and resource access for wildfire recovery and protection against post-fire flooding and .

Key Facts

  • The Aspen Acres fire has burned over 102,000 acres and is 74% contained.
  • The Gold Mountain fire has burned over 39,700 acres and is 87% contained.
  • The Post fire in Las Animas County has burned 4,327 acres and is 90% contained.
  • The Sheep Pen, High Fence, and Gotera fires are 100% contained and returned to local control.
  • The state is preparing to request a Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government.
  • Federal assistance for the Gold Mountain fire allows for reimbursement of up to 75% of certain firefighting costs.
  • Post-fire areas are at high risk for flash floods and debris flows due to soil and vegetation loss.
  • The order allows out-of-state emergency medical providers to work in Colorado if needed.
  • The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control remains in charge of suppression operations.

Who's Mentioned

locationAspen Acres“Wildfire site in Pueblo and Custer counties”personJared Polis“Governor of Colorado”organizationColorado National Guard“Providing unarmed support for response and recovery”locationGold Mountain“Wildfire site in Ouray County”