Colorado Warns of Significantly Higher Wildfire Risk This Summer

Overview

• Gov. Jared Polis, who unveiled the state’s wildfire outlook Thursday, warned of a significantly increased threat in June and July along the Front Range and in western Colorado.
• Officials tied the danger to a dry winter, record-low snowpack, long-term climate pressures, and more homes pushing into fire zones, with 95% of the state expected to be in drought early summer.
• Colorado has added helicopters, air tankers, and engines in recent years, yet leaders said regional demand will be high and the state does not expect to loan its contracted aircraft to neighbors.
• The state projects as many as 8,000 fires in 2026, up from a typical 6,000 to 7,000, and crews have already responded to multiple incidents this year.
• Polis declared May wildfire awareness month, officials noted about 90% of ignitions start from human activity, and they urged defensible space after February’s Elizabeth fire slowed at treated yards.