Gov. Jared Polis announced Sunday that FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Willow fire as firefighting efforts continue across the state.

The Willow fire has placed more than 1,500 people under mandatory evacuation orders and another 2,100 residents under pre-evacuation notices, according to the governor’s office. The fire, reported June 28, has burned almost 4,000 acres and is 1% contained.

“This Federal Fire Management Assistance Grant will help our state take all necessary actions to protect Coloradans and communities,” Polis said in a statement. “Protecting lives, property, and businesses is our top priority.”

In Pueblo and Custer County, the Aspen Acres fire remains the largest wildfire in the state. Reported June 29, the fire has grown to 86,983 acres and is 13% contained.  

Multiple evacuation centers remain available, including the Pueblo County Recreation Center, Wetmore Lange Hall in Westcliffe, and animal shelters at the Colorado State Fairgrounds and Pathfinder Park in Florence. A Disaster Assistance Center coordinated by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs remains open in Pueblo through July 14.

Firefighters have made substantial progress on the Snyder fire in Mesa County, which has burned 30,202 acres and is now 95% contained. The fire was reported June 26, and officials lifted all evacuation orders July 1 as firefighters gained significant control of the blaze. 

The Gold Mountain fire in Ouray County has burned 26,405 acres since it was reported June 27 and remains 0% contained. Evacuation orders remain in effect in parts of the county. Gov. Polis approved a state emergency declaration June 28, and FEMA authorized a Fire Management Assistance Grant on June 30.