Gov. John Hickenlooper today signed three Executive Orders to declare disaster emergencies related to three fires burning in Colorado. The orders authorize a combined $10.15 million to help pay for firefighting and other costs.
One order declares a disaster emergency due to the Black Forest Fire in El Paso County and orders $5.5 million from the Disaster Emergency Fund to pay for the fire suppression, response and recovery effort related to the fire since its inception.
“On June 11, 2013, the Black Forest Fire was reported to local authorities near Shoup Road and Highway 83 in El Paso County. This wind-driven fire was quickly growing in size and intensity, prompting the mandatory evacuation of 500 homes. All available firefighting resources were committed to firefighting and structural protection,” the order stated.
The second order declares a disaster emergency in Fremont County due to the Royal Gorge Fire and orders $4.5 million from the Disaster Emergency Fund to pay for the fire suppression, response and recovery effort related to the Royal Gorge Fire since its inception.
“This wind-driven fire quickly grew in size and intensity, prompting the evacuation of 190 homes and subsequently the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility. The fire started on the south side of the river and spotted to the north side. All available firefighting resources were committed to firefighting and structural protection,” the order stated.
The third order declares a disaster emergency due to the Klickus Fire in Huerfano County and orders $150,000 from the Disaster Emergency Fund to pay for the fire suppression, response and recovery effort related to the Klickus Fire since its inception.
“On June 11, 2013, the Klickus Fire was reported by the Huerfano County Sheriff to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control approximately 5 miles west of La Veta. This wind-driven fire was quickly growing in size and intensity, prompting the mandatory evacuation of 3 homes. All available firefighting resources were committed to firefighting and structural protection,” the order stated.
The three orders:
