Updated at 9 a.m., Jan. 7.
On December 30, 2021, fast-moving fires ravaged Boulder County, burning through at least 1,600 acres and destroying or damaging over 1200 properties. Many residents lost everything. Here are resources for those impacted by the fires and how you can help. The most current updates can be found on the Boulder Office of Emergency Management website.
Where to find disaster assistance and mental health support
Disaster Assistance Center
Officials are calling it a "one stop shop" for services including food, and assistance with financial and filing property loss claims. There will also be mental health support, transportation, and more.
The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.
Boulder County Southeast Hub
1755 South Public Road
Lafayette, CO. 80026
For transportation assistance, call: (303) 447-9636
www.BoulderOEM.com
FEMA
FEMA has put together a page with information about how to apply for federal assistance.
The Caring for Denver Foundation has set up a hotline for those who need mental health support:
Getting around
Getting to to the Disaster Assistance Center
The Regional Transportation District is providing free rides for Marshall Fire victims. People can schedule FlexRides by going to this website, downloading the FlexRide app or calling (303) 299-6000.
Getting around Lafayette
Beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 5, Boulder County is expanding its Ride Free Lafayette service to include YMCA of Northern Colorado, which means people can ride for free to the Disaster Assistance Center. People in the service area can book using this website, downloading the On-Demand Transit Rider app or calling (833) 456-3359.
Residents can now return to their homes
The Boulder Office of Emergency Management has lifted evacuation orders and residents can now return to their homes. A call center for residents who want to find out information about their neighborhoods has been established, and the phone number is 303-413-7730. Officials urge residents to call that number instead of 911.
Residents of Broomfield can find updates here.
Residents of Superior can find updates here.
Residents of Louisville can find updates here.
Areas that are closed
A map of hard and soft closures in the affected areas can be found here. Police have set up barricades and patrols in the closed neighborhoods to prevent scavenging and looting. Depending on location, you might have to show a photo ID to enter your neighborhood.
Evacuation orders, boil water notices, power outages
Evacuation orders have been lifted for the affected areas.
Power has been restored to the area around the fire. A map of outages can be viewed here.
CDPHE has rescinded its notice to boil water for Superior and Louisville. However, before using the water for the first time, residents should run their taps for at least five minutes, and put their dishwashers, washers and other appliances that use water through one cycle before using.
Lost and found pets
If you lost or found a pet, this Facebook page has been set up to help connect people with their pets.
The Humane Society of Boulder Valley is providing free pet food and shelter for dogs, cats and other small animals. Bring animals to the Humane Society of Boulder Valley at 2323 55th Street in Boulder until 4 p.m. Dec. 31. If you need shelter after 4, call local animal control (City of Boulder Animal Protection is at 303-441-3333; Boulder County Animal Control (including Superior) is at 303-441-3626).
If you are missing or have found a pet, fill out a report with the Humane Society here.
People with large animals:
Jefferson County Fairgrounds:
15200 W. 6th Ave. Frontage Rd.
Golden, CO 80401
NOTE: The Boulder County Fairgrounds animal evacuation site is FULL
If you need to shelter a horse, visit this Facebook page for more information.
Evacuation centers
These centers will provide overnight shelter unless otherwise noted. Xcel is giving out electric heaters; pick them up at the Red Cross shelter at YMCA in Lafayette, 2800 Dagny Way, or the Boulder YWCA at 2222 14th St.
Note: The temporary shelters at the North Boulder Recreation Center and the Rocky Mountain Christian Church have closed as a shelter as of 1 p.m., Jan. 1.
YMCA Arapahoe Center:
2800 Dagny Way
Lafayette, CO 80027
(303) 664-5455
COVID-positive evacuees only:
Mount Calvary Lutheran
3485 Stanford Ct
Boulder, CO 80305
(303) 499-1444
Longmont Senior Center (Not an overnight shelter):
910 Longs Peak Ave.
Longmont, CO 80501
(303) 651-8411
NOTE: The South Boulder Recreation Center is closed.
Where to donate
- The Boulder County Wildfire Fund is collecting donations for evacuees.
- The Colorado Preparedness and Response Network is collecting donations and listing ways to volunteer here.
- Community Foundation Boulder County is collecting donations through Colorado Gives.
- The Airbnb Open Homes Program vets potential hosts and connects them with people who are in need of shelter. Find out more about the program and how to host here.
- JEWISHColorado has set up a fund for those displaced by the fire. One-hundred percent of donations go to the victims.
- The American Red Cross of Colorado is at evacuation shelters. Donate to their efforts here.
- The Colorado Police Officers Foundation, the Colorado Fraternal Order of Police’s nonprofit foundation, has established a fund for law enforcement officers and their families who have been impacted by the wildfire. "Several officers responding to the fires lost their own homes while working to help evacuate community members and respond to this tragedy. The exact number of law enforcement officers who have been impacted is still being assessed; however, one officer responding to the fires told state FOP President Steve Schulz and National FOP Trustee Rob Pride that he literally lost everything except the uniform he was wearing," the foundation said in a statement.
- Donate to the Human Society of Boulder Valley here.
