Colorado: Governor Polis Briefed at Snyder Mesa Fire Incident Command Post, Provides Update on Snyder Mesa and other Fires

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FRUITA - Today, Governor Polis, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control Director Mike Morgan, and Colorado Department of Public Safety Director Stan Hilkey visited and met with incident management and fire personnel at the Incident Command Post (ICP) in Fruita, Colorado for the Snyder Mesa Fire burning along the Colorado-Utah border. As of today, the Snyder Mesa Fire has grown to over 29,000 acres, with 0% containment.

"Thank you to the Incident Command Team here in Fruita for their work to keep our communities safe. It is with a very heavy heart that we mourn the loss of three brave firefighters who tragically lost their lives protecting Colorado and Utah, and wish a healthy recovery for the two firefighters rescued. Fire risk in Colorado is increasing, and our communities are feeling the firsthand impacts of severe drought and imminent fire danger. It is more important than ever that we all do our part to stop fires before they start, use our water resources responsibly, and help protect our communities. Colorado is strong and if we work together we can prevent and protect our land and people we care about," said Governor Polis.

"We are working with our local and federal partners to keep impacted Colorado communities informed and safe. Wildfires are unpredictable and require an all-hands-on-deck approach to ensure that our resources are in the right place, and our firefighters are safe. I am very saddened by the loss of the three brave firefighters who lost their lives protecting our communities. My thoughts go out to their families and loved ones. We are committed to ensuring that Colorado communities stay up-to-date, and encourage all Coloradans to check with their local fire department for regular updates on evacuation and important safety information," said Mike Morgan, Director of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC).

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"Our hearts are with the families, loved ones, and communities grieving the loss of three wildland firefighters who gave their lives protecting others. I am wishing the injured firefighters a full recovery and thanking everyone - firefighters, first responders, volunteers, and local officials - still on the front lines working to keep Coloradans safe. To all those affected by the fires burning across our state, know that Colorado stands with you," said Senator Michael Bennet.

"Our hearts are with the families of those lost, with those who were injured, and with everyone still on the front lines," said Hickenlooper. "Colorado is facing another difficult wildfire season and our firefighters are doing everything they can to protect our communities. It's time for every level of government to match their service with solutions that make everyone safer," said Senator John Hickenlooper.

"Wildland firefighters willingly take on one of the most dangerous jobs in public service, putting themselves in harm's way to protect our communities, our public lands, and one another. Today, we mourn the loss of Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson, who gave their lives protecting Colorado. Their courage and selfless service will not be forgotten. Barbora and I are praying for their families and loved ones, for the two firefighters who were injured, and for the entire wildland firefighting community as they grieve this heartbreaking loss. Our state is safer because of men and women like Emily, Nick, and Sydney. We are forever grateful for their sacrifice and will honor the legacy they leave behind," said Representative Jeff Hurd CD3.

Currently, all of Colorado's aviation resources are deployed and supporting multiple fires, along with on-ground resources, state dispatchers, and fire management staff.  As of this morning Colorado had 38 aviation resources assigned to Colorado, and 21 other aviation resources in the Rocky Mountain Region. These resources will be used as requested by incident command and as winds or weather conditions safely permit.

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Large Air Tankers:
  • 9 deployed in Colorado; 3 in the Rocky Mountain Region
  • Includes 1 DFPC contracted LAT

Single Engine Air Tankers:
  • 6 deployed in Colorado; 7 in the Rocky Mountain Region
  • Includes 2 DFPC contracted SEATs

Type 1 Helicopters:
  • 8 deployed in Colorado; 2 in the Rocky Mountain Region
  • Includes 2 Division of Fire Prevention and Control FIREHAWKs®

Type 2 Helicopters:
  • 5 deployed in Colorado; 2 in Rocky Mountain Region
  • Includes 2 DFPC Helicopters

Type 3 Helicopters:
  • 4 deployed in Colorado; 4 in the Rocky Mountain Region

Air Attack Platform:
  • 4 deployed in Colorado; 3 in the Rocky Mountain Region

Multi-Mission Aircraft:
  • 2 Pilates PC-12 high performance turbo-prop aircraft

On Saturday, Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the Snyder Mesa Fire in Mesa County and authorized the National Guard to support efforts to recover the three firefighters who gave their lives in response to the Snyder Mesa Fire. The Governor also released a statement outlining the State's coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service to rescue and evacuate two injured firefighters injured in the line of duty, utilizing one of DFPC's helicopters.

Today, Governor Polis also issued verbal disaster declarations for the Aspen Acres Fire in Custer and Pueblo Counties and for the Willow Fire in Lake County. The Governor has authorized the use of the National Guard for all of these fires if needed. The Aspen Fire in Custer and Pueblo Counties is currently at 23,095 acres with 0% containment. The Willow Fire in Lake County is currently at approximately 1,200 acres with 0% containment.

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