Colorado Wildfire


07/15/26

Our Thoughts Are With Colorado

Colorado is facing one of its most difficult wildfire seasons on record. Across the state and in communities close to home, fires have forced evacuations, destroyed structures, and stretched emergency resources to their limits. The Ferris Fire in Montezuma and Dolores counties, the Gold Mountain Fire near Ouray, and smoke filling the San Luis Valley sky are vivid reminders of how close this crisis hits for our neighbors, customers, and communities.

Our hearts go out to everyone who has been displaced, lost property, or is anxiously watching the horizon. If you've been affected by the wildfires, First Southwest Bank is here to support you.

Resources for Personal Banking Customers

  • Contact your banker directly. If you're facing hardship due to wildfire displacement or property loss, reach out to your local branch. We can discuss options and help you plan for what's next.
  • Lost documents? We can help you replace bank statements, account records, and other financial documentation you may need for insurance claims or FEMA assistance.
  • 24/7 account access: Manage your account anytime through our mobile banking app or online portal.
  • FEMA Individual Assistance: If your county has received a federal disaster declaration, you may be eligible for financial assistance. Visit disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

Resources for Business Banking Customers

  • Talk to your business banker. We understand that business disruption from a wildfire, lost revenue, damaged inventory, forced closure, can be devastating. Reach out to discuss your options.
  • SBA Disaster Loans: The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans for businesses affected by declared disasters. Visit sba.gov/disaster for information and to apply.
  • Document your losses. We can help you pull together financial records needed to support insurance claims or loan applications.

Resources for Small Business Owners

  • First Southwest Community Fund: Our nonprofit affiliate exists to support small businesses. Contact us to learn about low-cost lending options.
  • Colorado SBDC Network: Free advising is available to help you assess your situation, plan your recovery, and connect with available resources. Find your nearest SBDC at coloradosbdc.org.
  • USDA Emergency Loans: Agricultural producers and rural businesses may be eligible for USDA emergency loan programs. Contact our agricultural lending team or visit usda.gov.
  • Colorado Emergency Relief Fund: Check with your county and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) for any state-level recovery programs activated for your area.

Additional Resources

  • Colorado 2-1-1: A confidential and multilingual service connecting people to vital resources across the state. No matter where you live in Colorado, you can find information about resources in your local community. 
  • United Way of Southern Colorado Wildfire Relief Fund: The United Way in Pueblo has created a wildfire relief fund in response to the fires burning in Southern Colorado.  

We're here. Call or visit your nearest branch to connect with our team.