Major Disaster Declared in El Paso County, CO

WH Declares Colorado a Federal Disaster Area

The White House has  declared a major disaster exists in the State of Colorado in the areas affected by the Black Forest Fire during the period of June 11-21, 2013.

Black Forest Fire near Colorado Springs in the El Paso County burned 14,280 acres, destroying at least 511 homes and damaging 28 others. The fire started on June 11 and was declared 100 percent contained on June 20.

An aerial view of a destroyed house and vehicles in the aftermath of the Black Forest Fire in Black Forest, Colorado June 13, 2013. Credit: Reuters/Rick Wilking

Federal funding has been made available for Crisis Counseling , Disaster Unemployment Assistance for affected individuals, as well as emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the Black Forest Fire in El Paso County, said the WH.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments, said the official statement.

Related Links

• Colo. Fire Turns Deadly, Most Destructive in State’s History  June 14, 2013
• Massive Wildfire Threatens to Torch Colorado Town  June 24, 2013