The Federal Emergency Management Agency notified Gov. John Hickenlooper Friday evening that Colorado’s request for a major disaster declaration related to the Black Forest Fire in El Paso County was approved by President Barack Obama. The declaration prompts the release of Federal funds needed for the recovery of individuals and communities in El Paso County.

Assistance funded by the disaster declaration includes disaster unemployment assistance and crisis counseling for those impacted by the fire. It also approves assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, and mitigation assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.