Emergency Status
Jan 04

Marshall Fire Recovery Frequently Asked Questions

Marshall Fire Recovery FAQs

*Last updated at 9:10 p.m. on January 8.

For the most up-to-date information, visit www.BoulderOEM.com. The emergency call center is also open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The number is 303-413-7730.

  • How do I sign up to receive emergency alerts via the Everbridge System?
  • Where is the Public Information Map?
    • A Public Information Map with all current closures is available at:

https://bouldercounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=13ab214fe2bb4da5a850df0ca0f00fc5

  • How do I know if my home was affected by the fire?
    • It is important to note that this list will not be complete until damage assessments are done.
  • My home does not have fire damage but it has wind damage. What should I do?
  • Which roads are closed?
    • The Public Information Map on www.boulderoem.com shows current closures and is searchable by address
  • When will electricity and gas be turned back on?
    • If homeowner is not home when Xcel stops by to relight pilot lights, Xcel will leave a door hanger notifying homeowner of their visit. Homeowner should call number on door hanger and Xcel will send a crew out for the relight.
  • Do I need to boil my water?
  • I was under a boil water notice and I have questions about water safety, or questions about what to do now that the notice is lifted.
  • When will school resume?
    • School reopened on January 5, 2022
  • Where do I get my mail?
    • Mail delivery to areas open to the public are normal. For homes within the burn area, mail can be picked up at the Louisville Post Office, 566 McCaslin Blvd.
  • What do I do with the space heater(s) I received?
    • Many have asked if they can donate their space heater(s) back, for use by others. Unfortunately, there is not a good way for Xcel to collect and redistribute. So hold on to the heaters and feel free to give them to anyone you know in need at any time.
  • My place of residence, business or workplace was damaged or destroyed, where can I get help?
    • Visit the Disaster Assistance Center:

Boulder County Southeast County Hub
1755 South Public Road, Lafayette
Hours: 7 days a week, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

    • The Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) offers help with the following:
      • Consultation on property loss and filing claims for assistance
      • Gift cards for replacement of food and transportation costs
      • Information about short- and long-term housing
      • Help with vital records
      • Referrals to emergency shelter
      • Food assistance
      • Salvation Army is providing lunch and dinner at DAC
      • Mental health services
      • Help with unemployment
      • COVID-19 tests
      • Transportation vouchers
      • Referrals for personal finance planning
      • For renters, a list of tenant’s rights and legal referrals
  • How can I safely dispose of spoiled food and/or water damaged items?
    • Dumpsters have been placed throughout the affected area. Any items that are water damaged, such as flooring, furniture, etc., will be accepted at the dumpster sites. For the location of the closest dumpster, see the Public Information Map.
  • What do I need to know about fire debris clean-up?
    • Please refer to Debris clean-up. This post will be updated as more information becomes available on a coordinated program. Be aware that any property owner choosing to conduct site clean-up work of any structural or ash-related debris on their own would be ineligible for the debris removal program, and is responsible for following state and local permitting requirements, which will include closeout inspections and utility requirements. This includes a deconstruction or demolition permit from your local building department. Impacted community members who would like to register for the county debris clean-up program should register at the Disaster Assistance Center, and the county will be in touch with additional details as soon as they are finalized.
    • The Town of Erie has made its landfill available for fire debris and you can read FAQs about usage and asbestos concerns here.
  • How do I sign up for the county coordinated program for debris removal?
    • By visiting the DAC and filling out an HHS intake form. Please also register with the intake team on the north side of the building and indicate on your registration that you need help with debris removal. Once you have signed up there is no need to return to the DAC to report debris removal needs or go to the Community Planning and Permitting table to discuss debris removal needs.
  • Can we put fire debris in the dumpsters?
    • No. Fire debris may contain toxins and is not safe to bring to the dumpsters.
  • What else do I need to know from a public health standpoint about ash and debris, air quality, tetanus, safe drinking water, food safety or septic systems when I return to my home?
    • Boulder County Public Health has released guidelines in all of these areas here.
  • How can I donate?
    • Right now, there is no official place for donations of items/clothes. While there are many grass roots efforts to collect and give donated items, it is an overwhelming task. Please remember, help will be needed for many months ahead. If you have non-monetary donations, please complete a registration form at https://bouldercounty.wufoo.com/forms/donations/. Due to the high volume of donations, it may be a while before donors receive a call back regarding their donation. Please be patient.
    • Please do not drop off donations at any public safety agency or emergency shelter.
  • What should I do if I found a pet?
    • Take it to the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. Please do not post online in an attempt to reunite the pet with its owner on your own because this may result in an unintentional misidentification.
  • I have returned to my home and found the remains of my pet. What should I do?
    • First, our condolences on the loss of a beloved family pet. Boulder County animal control advises that you may package remains in whatever way you choose. Both the Humane Society of Boulder Valley and the Longmont Humane Society are offering cremation services free of charge. This is the most appropriate way to handle any remains you may find.
  • I think someone is trying to scam me, what should I do?
    • Please read Marshall fire scams for information on types of scams that have been reported, dos and don’ts to avoid them, and how to report them.
  • Where can I get a COVID test?