Colorado State Archives

Executive Orders from the Administration of Governor Bill Owens 1999-2005

OWENS DECLARES STATE DISASTER
EMERGENCY FOR MESA VERDE FIRE

DENVER – Governor Bill Owens has declared a state of disaster emergency for the Mesa Verde fire in Montezuma County that has been burning since late last week. The fire has consumed more than 22,000 acres inside and around the Mesa Verde National Park.

"The state is ready to help the local community with the resources it may need to fight this fire and get it under control," said Gov. Owens. "The state has dispatched two dozen personnel from the Colorado National Guard and one dozen vehicles to help in the firefighting efforts."

The Montezuma County Commissioners requested assistance from the Governor late Monday afternoon. A state disaster declaration activates the County’s disaster plan and allows the Governor to provide state funds and resources to help local governmental entities and provides for the use of the Colorado National Guard.

Since the fire is mostly on federal land, the U.S. Forest Service is the lead governmental agency spearheading the firefighting effort. The fire consumed approximately 15 percent of private land before moving onto federal property.

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