MEEKER ~ MEEKER - In response to the Elk Fire in Rio Blanco County, Governor Polis has declared a disaster emergency to provide support and resources for the ongoing efforts. The fire, which is currently burning on private and state-owned lands, was estimated to be around 100 acres this morning.

The Rio Blanco County Sheriff had taken over responsibility for the fire from the local Fire Department and requested assistance from the State. This declaration allows for additional external resources and state support to effectively manage and suppress the fire while protecting the values at risk.

Interagency aviation and ground resources have been mobilized to assist in the efforts, including air and overhead resources from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC). These resources have been working since yesterday to contain the fire. A Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) has also been ordered to take command of the fire.

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According to officials, fire conditions in northwest Colorado are at near record levels, with elevated fire weather and risk forecasted for the coming week. This disaster declaration activates the State Emergency Operations and Resource Mobilization Plans, with coordination from the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM).

The DHSEM will manage the State Emergency Operations Center and deploy field operations staff to directly support county emergency managers with consequence management. The Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) will lead incident management and suppression efforts in collaboration with other divisions within CDPS.

As firefighters continue their efforts to contain the Elk Fire, residents are urged to stay informed about evacuation orders and follow all safety precautions. The State remains committed to providing necessary resources to protect communities from this devastating wildfire.

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