Funds Fire Response and Allows Guard Help
Colorado executive order · EO D 2025 015
Why it matters
Local governments and groups fighting the fires can get state money for firefighting, response, and recovery costs. Unarmed Guard members can be deployed to help control the fires.
What it does
- Moves $18,597,000 from the State Emergency Reserve Cash Fund to the Disaster Emergency Fund
- Lets the Office of Emergency Management give that money to government agencies and nonprofits
- Funds are available for 72 months from August 28, 2025
- Lets unarmed Colorado National Guard members support fire suppression efforts
- The emergency declaration expires 30 days from August 3, 2025, unless extended
Signed
Signed (2025-08-28) by Governor Jared Polis as Executive Order D 2025 015
About this order
Orders $18.6 million moved to the Disaster Emergency Fund for the Elk and Lee Fires, and lets unarmed National Guard members support fire suppression. The disaster emergency expires after 30 days unless extended.
Declaring a Disaster Emergency Due to the Elk and Lee Fires in Rio Blanco and Garfield Counties and Authorizing Employment of the Colorado National Guard
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Local governments and fire agencies would likely say the funds and Guard help are needed to fight the large fires. Emergency response groups would say quick state money speeds up recovery.
💬 The case against
Some taxpayer groups would likely say the state is spending $18.6 million without a legislative vote. Budget watchdogs may also question how the money is spent.
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Signed by the governor. Details are at the source link.
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