Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has declared a disaster emergency as crews continue battling the growing Ferris Fire in southwest Colorado. Tens of thousands of acres have already burned and evacuations remain in place in what has become one of the biggest fires in Colorado history.
According to the governor’s office, Polis verbally issued the declaration in response to the wildfire, which was burning across 57,356 acres and 19 percent contained.
The order activates the State Emergency Operations Plan and directs the Colorado Department of Public Safety, along with its divisions of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Fire Prevention and Control, to oversee response, recovery, and mitigation operations. State support includes firefighting crews, aviation resources, and incident management personnel.
The declaration also authorizes National Guard assistance and allows out-of-state licensed emergency medical providers to help with the response.
Crews conducted controlled burns to contain the fire and worked overnight to reinforce containment lines. Despite challenging conditions, firefighters were able to keep the fire within containment lines in several areas.
The fire had raced quickly uphill and jumped into the tops of trees in several canyons or ravines, including Glade Canyon and Big Spring Gulch. Ground crews were supported by helicopters, air tankers, and other aircraft dropping water and retardant to slow the fire’s spread.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for multiple Zones, with Zones 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10 all under “GO” status. Both Dolores and Montezuma counties have active evacuation orders, and closures are in place for parts of the San Juan National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands, including the Bradfield Bridge Recreation Area.
About 620 personnel are assigned to the fire. Firefighters are continuing to strengthen containment lines and respond to spot fires as conditions allow.
Weather conditions are expected to remain critical, with temperatures near 90 degrees, low humidity and gusty winds, along with the possibility of dry lightning. No significant rainfall is expected in the coming days.