Roatcap Fire Disaster Declaration Signed by Governor

Gov. Hickenlooper signs Executive Order for Roatcap Fire

DENVER — Friday, Oct. 26, 2012 — Gov. John Hickenlooper today signed a disaster declaration for a wildfire burning in Montezuma County. The Executive Order makes resources available to pay for fire suppression, response and recovery related the Roatcap Fire.

“On Oct. 24, the Roatcap Fire started in an area generally located between Cortez and Town of Dolores in Montezuma County. This wind-driven fire quickly grew in size and intensity, prompting the evacuation of 30-40 homes and threatening about 30 others. All available firefighting resources were committed to structural protection,” the Executive Order states.

Disaster declarations authorize the transfer of any funds in the state budget to the Disaster Emergency Fund, which is not funded unless money is needed. State law does not allow people who have lost homes or property in the fire to seek reimbursement from these disaster funds.