Hickenlooper Statement on Marshall Fire, Welcomes Federal Aid and Commits to Securing Additional Resources

Press Release

U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper released the following statement as firefighters and emergency responders continue working to assess damage from the Marshall Fire in Boulder County:

"This morning, thousands of Colorado families woke up unable or unsure if they will be able to return home. The Marshall Fire is horrible and devastating. Our thoughts are with Boulder County, especially the evacuees. We owe immense gratitude to our first responders -- their heroism saved countless lives.

"We have been in touch with local, state, and federal officials and have pledged every resource possible to assist with recovery. FEMA has already activated federal firefighting assistance and President Biden committed to quickly approving a Major Disaster Declaration, which means even more help is on the way. This catastrophe is incredibly painful, but together we'll get through this and build back stronger."

Yesterday FEMA approved a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) request, which will pay for 75 percent of Colorado's firefighting costs. President Biden's Major Disaster Declaration will expedite financial, legal, employment, and nutrition assistance to affected individuals and households. It will also bolster the State of Colorado's efforts to restore critical utilities and infrastructure, as well as implement long-term hazard mitigation.

Click here for information on resources available to impacted Coloradans and ways to help.

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