Bennet, Hickenlooper, Rosen, Colleagues Demand More Assistance from FEMA for Wildfire Prevention and Response

About About Michael Legislation News Press Releases Social Media Newsletter Archive Services Priorities Top Issues Child Tax Credit Investing in Colorado Contact Map Español Acerca de Michael Escribe a Michael Prioridades Servicios Visitando D.C. Bennet, Hickenlooper, Rosen, Colleagues Demand More Assistance from FEMA for Wildfire Prevention and Response Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper joined Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and six Senate colleagues in urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that all communities receive the federal resources they need to respond to and prevent wildfires. States can request financial assistance from FEMA through Fire Management Assistance […] Jul 21, 2026 | Press Releases Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper joined Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and six Senate colleagues in urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that all communities receive the federal resources they need to respond to and prevent wildfires. States can request financial assistance from FEMA through Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) to help cover emergency response, fire-fighting, and administrative costs. Following an FMAG declaration, states can also access FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to help communities rebuild and mitigate future wildfire risks. However, many communities are still waiting for HMGP funding from previous wildfires, leaving them vulnerable to current and future disasters. “Wildfires are one of the most frequently recurring disasters that, while once common only to western states, have recently become a major threat to communities across the country,” wrote the senators. “These wildfires can be lethal and destroy critical infrastructure and entire residential communities, negatively affect public health through harmful smoke and air pollutants, and place large economic burdens on urban and rural communities.” “Unfortunately, over 3.1 million acres have already burned across the country since the beginning of this year, which is the second largest number of acres burned in a January to July period in the past 10 years,” continued the senators. “Given these recent fires, the persistent drought across multiple states, and the expected above normal wildfire activity, it is imperative that FEMA helps communities quickly respond to wildfires and increase their resilience to future wildfire disasters.” “As we approach the summer months and prepare for above normal wildfire activity, we urge you to ensure FEMA can quickly respond to future wildfires and that FMAG and HMGP Post Fire funds are promptly approved and distributed to communities, including those in rural areas,” the senators concluded. Bennet and Hickenlooper recently visited the Aspen Acres Fire burn scar in Beulah, Colorado, meeting with first responders and community members impacted by the devastating fire. Both senators have been consistent advocates for FEMA support for Colorado communities. In April 2026, Bennet and Hickenlooper introduced the Disaster Declaration Transparency Act to give Congress the power to override presidential denials and ensure communities receive FEMA disaster assistance. In January 2026, Bennet led the entire Colorado delegation in support of the State of Colorado’s request for a Major Presidential Disaster Declaration following 2025’s Lee and Elk Fires in Rio Blanco County. In May 2025, Bennet and Hickenlooper, as well as Colorado Representatives Joe Neguse, Diana DeGette, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen, urged former U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to reconsider significantly restructuring or dissolving FEMA ahead of peak wildfire season. In March 2022, Bennet, Hickenlooper, and Neguse announced that FEMA had agreed to cover the costs of removing foundations, basements, and burned vehicles damaged in the Marshall Fire. In February 2022, Bennet, Neguse, and Hickenlooper wrote to FEMA former Administrator Deanne Criswell requesting that the agency cover the costs of removing damaged home foundations through the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program as well as grant Colorado’s forthcoming PPDR requests in the wake of the Marshall Fire as part of a separate letter. In 2018, Bennet secured a permanent extension of the Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Act to ensure states affected by wildfires can access the HMGP to reduce the risk of post-fire flooding and erosion, and take actions to prevent future wildfires. In addition to Bennet, Rosen, and Hickenlooper, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) signed this letter. The text of the letter is available HERE and below. Dear Mr. Fenton: Wildfires are one of the most frequently recurring disasters that, while once common only to western states, have recently bec