How you can help those impacted by the Marshall and Middle Fork fires in Boulder County

Jennifer Hefty, Fort Collins Coloradoan
·3 min read

More than 500 homes and several businesses have been destroyed as fires ripped through at least 1,600 acres of mostly-urban areas of Boulder County on Thursday.

Sparked by downed power lines and fueled by hurricane-force winds at times, live footage of the Marshall and Middle Fork fires showed home after home being engulfed in flames as water from firefighters blew back toward emergency crews due to the wind. The fires quickly became the most destructive in Colorado's history, according to 9News.

"The devastation in Boulder County tonight is utterly heartbreaking. We are in close contact with (Gov. Jared Polis) and working to secure Federal recovery resources," Rep. Joe Neguse, who represents Fort Collins and Boulder County, tweeted Thursday. "Please keep everyone in our community in your thoughts, and pray for the firefighters sacrificing so much to keep us safe."

Neguse announced that FEMA authorized a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant on Thursday evening. The grant makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs, according to a news release.

The high wind warnings were canceled as of about 8 p.m. Thursday. Snow began falling Friday morning.

'Absolutely devastating': Colorado wildfires burn hundreds of homes near Boulder

The Boulder County Office of Emergency Management is asking residents to keep the line clear and not call about the status of structures at this time. They are also asking that those wishing to help do not call in. Instead, here's some ways you can help those impacted by the fires.

How you can help those impacted by the Boulder County fires

Approximately 35,000 residents were evacuated from their homes due to the fires, according to the Community Foundation of Boulder County. As such, the foundation has set up a fund to help those impacted. Those wishing to donate can do so at their website here.

Donations can also be made to the American Red Cross of Colorado here.

If you have shelter to offer displaced residents, sign up to be a vetted host through Airbnb. You will be alerted through the Airbnb Open Homes program, if needed, Gov. Jared Polis posted on Facebook on Thursday evening.

Polis said that donations of of household goods can be made to local thrift stores in your area. He also shared this Boulder County Office of Emergency Management link where you can offer to volunteer or provide donations of supplies, materials and discounted services.

The YMCA of Northern Colorado evacuation center tweeted earlier Thursday evening that supplies were needed, but later updated that those needs had been fulfilled. Polis said the shelter is accepting donations of blankets, pillows, dog and cat food at their location at 2800 Dagny Way in Lafayette. You can stay updated on their potential needs via the @YMCANOCO Twitter account.

If you have been impacted by the fire and need help

The Boulder Office of Emergency Management has advised residents of Louisville to boil water prior to consumption.

Evacuation Centers

Animal/livestock evacuations

Resident evacuation centers

  • North Boulder Recreation Center, 3170 Broadway in Boulder

  • Lafayette YMCA, 2800 Dagny Way in Lafayette

  • Rocky Mountain Christian Church, 9447 Niwot Road in Longmont (Niwot)

  • If you are COVID-positive and must evacuate, please evacuate to the COVID Recovery Center at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 3485 Stanford Court in Boulder.

Where are the evacuations for the Boulder County fires?

This map shows the latest evacuation and pre-evacuation orders.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: How to help those impacted by devastating Colorado fires near Boulder