Colorado: Governor Polis and Public Safety Leaders Provide Fire Response Update, Visit Evacuation Shelter

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LARIMER COUNTY ~ Loveland, Colorado - Governor Jared Polis held a meeting with public safety leaders at Loveland Fire Station 7 today to discuss the ongoing wildfire response efforts in Larimer, Jefferson, Delta, and Boulder Counties. The meeting was attended by Congressman Joe Neguse, Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson, Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen, Department of Public Safety Director Stan Hilkey, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control Wildland Fire Management Section Chief Vaughn Jones, Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Kevin Klein and U.S. Forest Service Regional Forester Troy Heithecker.

During the meeting, Governor Polis expressed his gratitude for the brave first responders who are working tirelessly to protect Coloradans, communities, property and lands from the devastating wildfires. He also assured that the state is providing major support to manage and contain these fires as quickly as possible.

In response to the escalating situation, Governor Polis has authorized the National Guard to assist with firefighting efforts in Currant Creek, Alexander Mountain, Stone Mountain and Quarry Fires. The Colorado State Emergency Operations Center is working closely with local emergency managers to determine what assistance is needed and where. The National Guard is ready to provide support for security and traffic control in coordination with local law enforcement.

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Yesterday, Governor Polis issued verbal declarations of disaster emergency for the Currant Creek, Alexander Mountain and Stone Mountain fires. This morning he gave a verbal declaration for the new Quarry Fire in Jefferson County which started on Tuesday night. This declaration activates the State Emergency Operations Plan and directs the Department of Public Safety and its Divisions of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) and Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) to take all necessary actions to assist with response, recovery and mitigation efforts for the Quarry Fire.

Governor Polis also visited a Red Cross evacuation shelter at Foundation Church in Loveland where he thanked volunteers and spoke with Coloradans who have been evacuated from their homes. The evacuation shelters are providing essential services such as meals, snacks, water, minor medical assistance and overnight shelter. Over 60 volunteer organizations with more than 100 volunteers are providing direct support at shelters across the front range and western slope.

Later today, Governor Polis will visit the Stone Mountain Command Center in Lyons to thank emergency responders for their efforts in keeping Coloradans and the community safe from the Stone Mountain Fire.

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The State of Colorado is taking a comprehensive, government-wide approach to support the response, management and containment of multiple wildfires across the state. Resources being utilized include the FIREHAWK® and crew, three air tankers, two multi-mission aircraft, two Type-2 helicopters and crews, fire engines, firefighter crews, intelligence and management support, communications support, road closure assistance, traffic control, shelter and volunteer support, veterinary medical teams and drone operations. Federal aviation resources as well as a Douglas County helicopter are also being utilized. These resources are being quickly moved from fire to fire in coordination with local partners to provide urgent assistance where needed.

Coloradans are encouraged to sign up for county emergency alerts to receive life-saving information about evacuations from their local public safety agency. Links to sign up for emergency alerts can be found on the DHSEM website.

As the wildfires continue to rage across Colorado's front range and western slope regions, Governor Polis remains committed to providing necessary resources and support to protect Coloradans and their communities.

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