Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday signed an executive order declaring a disaster emergency over ongoing Western Slope fires. The order overlays the state’s overall fire response and authorizes the Colorado National Guard to respond to fires.

During his visit to the Grand Valley on Thursday, Polis received a briefing on the Turner Gulch Fire near Gateway from the fire’s current managers, the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team No. 2, which brings together local, state and federal firefighting resources.

After the briefing, he had a press conference to discuss his executive order and share current fire information.

AS THE WESTERN SLOPE BURNS

Polis said there are 11 uncontained fires over 10 acres, nine “significant” fires and 24 total fires in the state currently.

“Tod

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