Bipartisan Colorado leaders press FEMA for disaster declaration amid widespread wildfire damage

Colorado Governor Jared Polis is seeking federal disaster assistance from President Trump following the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires, which burned more than 140,000 acres across three counties in June and July. The state submitted 173 letters from bipartisan elected officials and community leaders detailing property losses and the need for federal aid, with the entire Colorado congressional delegation backing the request. If approved, the major disaster declaration would make communities eligible for FEMA financial assistance and direct support for recovery and rebuilding efforts.