DENVER ~ In a recent development, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera has issued a verbal disaster declaration for four fires in Las Animas County, exercising her authority as acting governor under the Colorado Constitution. The declaration, made under Article IV, § 13 of the constitution, 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 charge of all response, recovery, and mitigation efforts for the Post Fire, Sheep Pen Fire, High Fence Fire, and Gotera Fire.

The verbal declaration by Lt. Governor Primavera also authorizes the National Guard to assist in response efforts and makes it easier for out-of-state licensed emergency medical providers to aid in fire response efforts. This support includes State and interagency engines and handcrews, DFPC and interagency aviation resources, as well as incident management personnel and overhead to assist in managing the fire and containment efforts.

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According to reports from officials on the ground, the Post Fire has already burned 4,705 acres with no containment progress so far. Similarly, the Sheep Pen Fire has scorched 712 acres with no containment progress while the High Fence Fire has burned 121 acres with no containment progress either. The Gotera Fire has also been reported to have burned 23 acres with no containment progress.

The verbal disaster declaration by Lt. Governor Primavera is expected to provide much-needed support in containing these fires that have already caused significant damage. With state agencies now taking charge of response efforts, it is hoped that these fires will be brought under control soon.

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