In Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, wildfire is a fact of life. Every summer, communities across Western and Southern Colorado prepare for the possibility that a single spark can threaten homes, businesses, public lands and lives.
This year, that threat is already here.
Communities across our district are responding to multiple active wildfires stretching from the Utah border to Southern Colorado. Firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency managers, local officials, volunteers and countless others are working around the clock to protect lives and property. They deserve our gratitude and our support.
This fire season has already brought heartbreaking loss.
Three firefighters gave their lives responding to the Knowles and Gore fires, and two others were seriously injured. These brave men and women answered the call knowing the risks of the job, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect people they had never met. Their sacrifice reminds us that every wildfire response is carried out by neighbors, friends and public servants willing to serve others at extraordinary personal risk.
Please join me in praying for their families, loved ones, the firefighters who were injured, and the entire wildland firefighting community.
Since these fires began, my office has remained in close contact with local officials, county governments, the state of Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis’ administration, the U.S. Forest Service, the Department of the Interior and other federal partners to help ensure our communities have the resources they need. Wildfire does not recognize jurisdictional boundaries, and successful response depends on strong partnerships between local, state, tribal and federal agencies. I am committed to doing everything I can in Congress to support those efforts.
While first responders are battling today’s fires, all of us have a role to play.
The conditions across Western Colorado remain dangerous. Hot temperatures, dry fuels, low humidity and strong winds mean new fires can spread rapidly. That makes preparation more important than ever.
Every family should have an evacuation plan before it’s needed. Homeowners should take steps to create defensible space where appropriate. During red flag warnings, we all need to exercise extra caution and avoid activities that could unintentionally spark a wildfire.
Staying informed can also save lives. I encourage everyone to sign up for emergency notifications from their local sheriff’s office and emergency management agency, so you receive evacuation notices and other critical updates as quickly as possible. Many Coloradans have also found Watch Duty to be an excellent resource for tracking active fires and monitoring changing conditions throughout the region.
Wildfire will always be part of living in the West, but preparedness and common sense make a real difference. Just as important, we must continue supporting the firefighters and first responders who put themselves on the line every day to protect our communities.
One of the things I appreciate most about Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District is that when our neighbors need help, people step up. We have seen that spirit throughout this fire season as firefighters from across the region, volunteers, nonprofits, ranchers, local businesses and community members have come together to support those affected.
That spirit will carry us through the challenges ahead.
As this fire season continues, let’s do our part: Stay informed, be prepared, support those on the front lines, and remember the firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the communities we all call home.
Jeff Hurd, a Republican from Grand Junction, represents Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District.
