Governor Polis Welcomes Arrival of Firefighting Aircraft to Contain Boulder NCAR Fire

BOULDER -  Governor Jared Polis released a statement welcoming aircraft deployed to help contain the Boulder NCAR fire, which broke out Saturday afternoon and is estimated to have spread to 123 acres. The Boulder Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has reported the fire’s evacuation area includes 19,000 people and 8,000 homes. 

“Colorado is committed to ensuring our firefighters and first responders are provided with every defense to fight fires, and our emergency response aircraft are already on site helping to rapidly contain the Boulder NCAR fire. As of this evening, a Single Engine Air Tanker has made eight drops of suppressants and a Type 1 helicopter is providing support through water delivery, suppressants, and supplies, in addition to a Multi-Mission Aircraft providing near real-time intelligence and mapping. We’re grateful to emergency response teams for a successful deployment of aircraft and the state continues to support a strong aerial response to protect the safety of communities under evacuation orders.” 

Colorado's Division of Fire Prevention and Control’s Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) is capable of delivering up to 800 gallons of suppressant. The Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA) continues to provide intelligence and mapping to command staff, and the Type 1 helicopter arrived on the scene earlier today to deliver fire-suppressants and supplies to assist emergency response teams on the ground. 

Evacuees can seek information and resources at the East Boulder Community Center at 5660 Sioux Drive. Colorado's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) is supporting the Boulder Emergency Operations Center at the evacuation center and state EOC staff are monitoring for additional resource requests. The Boulder County Public Information Call Center is open for information at 303-413-7730. Follow Boulder Police for updates.