In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing response to the quarry fire and the necessity of extending the emergency declaration initially signed by Sheriff Marinelli and Commissioner Dahlkemper. The county attorney emphasized that state law requires the Board of County Commissioners to authorize any continuation of the emergency declaration beyond a seven-day period, which is crucial for activating the emergency operations center and facilitating recovery efforts.

The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining the emergency declaration to ensure that response efforts can continue effectively and to enable the county to seek reimbursement from FEMA for extraordinary expenses incurred during the disaster. The officials acknowledged the hard work of the public information officer, Cassie Pierce, and her team, as well as the leadership of Nate, who has been instrumental in managing the emergency operations.

As the fire response continues, the board is expected to vote on the extension of the emergency declaration, which will allow for ongoing support and recovery initiatives in the affected areas. The discussions underscored the collaborative efforts of various agencies and the need for continued vigilance as the situation develops.