Here we go again with Colorado Governor Jared ‘I-Love-Emergency-Powers’ Polis signing another executive order – this time not because flames are gobbling up neighborhoods, but because… it’s hot? Yep. KDVR reports that Polis declared a disaster emergency due to “critical fire weather” across the state. That’s code for: we have fires, but that’s not bad and scary enough. Mother Nature’s making it hot in August (say it ain’t so), and that’s another reason to start writing decrees.
The Bullet Point Brief
- Gov. Polis declared a statewide disaster emergency because of warm, dry weather.
- This gives him sweeping powers to mobilize the National Guard and use state funds preemptively.
- The executive order cites “prolonged drought and extreme temperatures” as justification…aka basic Colorado summer.
- Critics worry the order leans too heavily on vague environmental factors instead of specific events.
- Once again, Democrats make “climate vibes” into actionable policy – it’s like COVID-era executive overreach had a baby with Al Gore.
My Bottom Line
Remember when an emergency meant a literal wildfire was tearing through Colorado? We have those right now, but that’s apparently not enough. Now, all it takes is a thermometer reading above 95, and the governor gets unlimited toys to play with. Look – I get it – we’re in August, the heat is spicy, and yes, we’ve got fires burning in parts of our beautiful state. That deserves seriousness and proper resource staging by our fire crews because they’re the real heroes here. But let’s not kid ourselves: this latest executive order smells more like climate theater than pragmatic action.
When you declare a disaster based on potential weather conditions rather than actual destruction on the ground, you’re shifting from preparedness into power grab territory – and trust me, few fellas love governing by decree more than Jared Polis. We saw this show before during COVID: one “emergency” turns into months of mandates, rule-by-fiat nonsense, and your freedom tossed into a recycling bin labeled “out of an abundance or caution” and “for your safety.” Declaring FIRE disasters makes sense when there are fires actually DISASTERING (and right now there are!) – not because Scorched August showed up on schedule.
This administration never met a crisis it couldn’t stretch like yoga pants around bigger government control. Wildfire prep matters – a lot – but so do limits on power-happy politicians. Don’t let them redefine “disaster” until every hot summer day becomes an excuse for unchecked authority. Call this what it is: climate hysteria weaponized for bureaucratic convenience.
TL;DR — Executive Order D 2025 010: Western Colorado Fires Emergency Declaration
Gov. Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency for Delta, Mesa, and Montrose Counties in western Colorado due to over 20 lightning-caused wildfires starting July 10, 2025. Fires like the South Rim, Turner Gulch, and Deer Creek have threatened homes, infrastructure, national parks, and power facilities.
- Memorializes a verbal emergency declaration from July 13, 2025.
- Activates the State Emergency Operations Plan.
- Authorizes all state departments to assist in response and recovery.
- Transfers $1,889,700 from the State Emergency Reserve to the Disaster Emergency Fund.
- Directs OEM to distribute funds to agencies and nonprofits.
- Lasts 30 days, but the funds can be used for up to 6 years.
Scott’s “I Don’t Trust the Government” Take:
A.k.a. the Paranoid Patriot’s Playbook for Watching Yet Another Power Grab Dressed in Flames and Funding
Let’s break this down, Scott Sheet-style:
First, they “verbally declare” an emergency, which sounds a hell of a lot like “we said it out loud in a panic and now we’re scribbling it down to make it retroactively legal.” That’s government emergency spaghetti—throw it at the Constitution and see what sticks.
Then – surprise, surprise – they activate the Emergency Operations Plan, which is just bureaucrat-speak for “we get to bypass normal procedures and do whatever the hell we want, because nature sneezed.”
Next up: they start moving money around like it’s Monopoly night at the Capitol. Nearly $1.9 million yanked from the State Emergency Reserve and handed to the Disaster Emergency Fund – without a vote, without oversight, and with “nonprofits” included on the receiving end. Because nothing says fiscal responsibility like “here’s a fat stack of cash, good luck!”
Let’s not forget the expiration clause. Sure, the order lasts 30 days… but the money remains available for 6 years. That’s not a disaster declaration – it’s a budget expansion with an emotional backstory.
Now listen, wildfires are real. They’re dangerous. But so is a precedent where a governor can verbalize a crisis, write it down later, move money at will, and deputize every agency without legislative approval. Sound familiar? Because that’s the same flavor of “emergency” that led to lockdowns, business shutdowns, and the endless moving of goalposts during COVID. And guess what? This same disaster framework makes that all possible – again.
If you’re a citizen who’s allergic to unaccountable executive power, this order should set off your smoke detectors. Wildfires might burn forests, but unchecked emergency powers? They scorch liberties, and you won’t need an evacuation order to feel it.
🔥 Bottom line: It’s a fire emergency wrapped in an opportunistic power blanket. The governor’s pen is still smoking – and so is the Constitution, every time these executive orders keep stacking like firewood.
