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FORT COLLINS, COLO. – As the High Park Fire continues to spread through Larimer County, Congressman Cory Gardner (R-CO) and the entire Colorado House delegation is asking the United States Forest Service (USFS) for additional resources and assistance.

“We cannot stress enough the high concern for this fire - emergency personnel believe the High Park Fire is a perfect storm of conditions and location. There is no time for delay. In particular, the need for air resources is dire,” Gardner wrote in a letter to USFS Chief Tom Tidwell. 

Gardner emphasizes in his letter that the state’s recent drought conditions, steep terrain and beetle-killed trees are all factors adding fuel to the fire. The Congressman will be attending the 8pm briefing at the fire command center in Laporte and has made his staff available to the USFS should they have any questions or need assistance regarding his request for more resources. 

The letter was signed by all members of Colorado’s U.S. House delegation. 

Letter is pasted below and can be downloaded by clicking, HERE.

The Honorable Tom Tidwell, Chief

United States Forest Service

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC  20250-0003

Dear Chief Tidwell:

We write to you today with extreme urgency regarding the catastrophic wildfire burning uncontrolled in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest.  The High Park Fire has already consumed over 35,000 acres, burned dozens of structures, forced the evacuation of more than two thousand people, and the fire is only three days old.  Hundreds of firefighters, volunteers and other first responders are working tirelessly to save life and property.  Yet drought conditions, steep and rough terrain, along with beetle-killed trees are fueling a fire that has a dangerous upper hand.  It is the worst case scenario.

Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith has stated that there is “no hope for containment” of the High Park Fire.  Therefore, we are requesting that you act with great speed to coordinate, mobilize and acquire all necessary resources – including additional air resources – to respond to this devastating wildfire.  We cannot stress enough the high concern for this fire - emergency personnel believe the High Park Fire is a perfect storm of conditions and location.  There is no time for delay.  In particular, the need for air resources is dire.

Thank you for your prompt attention.  Our offices stand ready to assist you should you have any questions or need any assistance regarding this request.

Our prayers and heartfelt thanks continue to be with those on the front lines of the fire.    

Sincerely,