Colorado declares disaster as Snyder Mesa wildfire expands
PUBLISHED Jun 28, 2026, 6:06 AM ET
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Colorado Governor Jared Polis has declared a state of disaster emergency as multiple fast-moving wildfires intensify on the state’s Western Slope. The declaration, signed Saturday, June 27, 2026, authorizes deployment of the Colorado National Guard and activates the State Emergency Operations Plan. The Snyder Mesa Fire, which began in Utah and has burned more than 28,000 acres, crossed into Mesa County, prompting pre-evacuation notices. State agencies are directed to coordinate incident management and resource allocation. Further south in Ouray County, the Gold Mountain Fire has forced mandatory evacuations and the closure of a major highway amid extreme fire weather conditions.
By James Porter | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Earlier this week Snyder Mesa Fire ignites
- Saturday Snyder Mesa Fire crosses Colorado border
- Saturday Mesa County issues pre-evacuation notices
- Saturday Governor Polis verbally declares disaster
- Saturday State Emergency Operations Plan activated
- Saturday Colorado National Guard deployment authorized
- Saturday Gold Mountain Fire grows near Ouray
- Saturday Highway closed as evacuations ordered
News Intelligence
- Wildfires can spread rapidly and unpredictably. If you're in Colorado, especially on the Western Slope, stay alert. Check local news for evacuation orders. Have a plan ready for your family and pets. It's about safety first.
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