Denver, CO, August 23, 2026 —

Denver, CO – Governor Jared Polis has formally requested federal disaster assistance from President Donald Trump in response to the severe impacts of recent wildfires and subsequent flooding across Colorado. The devastating blazes, identified as the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires, have collectively scorched over 140,000 acres of land.

The wildfires resulted in significant property loss, with 324 homes confirmed destroyed. Extensive infrastructure damage has also been reported across Pueblo, Custer, and Ouray counties, areas heavily impacted by the fires.

In the aftermath of the wildfires, heavy rainfall has exacerbated the situation by triggering dangerous flooding and debris flows. These weather events occurred directly over the areas scarred by the fires, creating a heightened risk of mudslides and flash floods. The flooding has led to at least one confirmed fatality and has caused further damage to critical infrastructure, including roads and access routes in the affected regions.

Governor Polis’s request for federal assistance aims to secure resources necessary for recovery and rebuilding efforts. The declaration of a federal disaster would enable access to federal funding and support programs designed to aid communities in the wake of catastrophic events.

The specific details regarding the full extent of the infrastructure damage and the timeline for recovery efforts are still being assessed. Information on the contractor’s name or specific fine amounts were not provided in the initial summary.



Story summarized from the original created by Robert Garrison on www.denver7.com, see more information here.

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