Colorado elected representatives are calling on President Donald Trump’s administration to issue a disaster declaration for wildfires that burned hundreds of thousands of acres this summer.

Gov. Jared Polis, in a news release issued Monday, said that a federal disaster declaration for the Lee and Elk wildfires would unlock Federal Emergency Management Agency funding to help address the fallout of the wildfires.

“Damage from these fires and the subsequent flash flooding puts Colorado families, major energy production, and the local economy at risk,” Polis said in a statement. “This is why Colorado is asking the federal government to continue supporting the state through these recovery efforts.”

The Lee Fire grew to more than 138,000 acres — becoming the fourth largest in Colorado history — after it was sparked by lightning in Rio Blanco County in August. The nearby Elk Fire was also sparked by lightning around the same time and grew to about 14,500 acres. Both fires have been contained.

Polis issued disaster emergencies for the fires in August, authorizing the deployment of the Colorado National Guard to help fight the blazes and unlocking $18.5 million in state funds for suppression, response and recovery efforts, the release states. 

The state has demonstrated and FEMA has validated an initial $27,491,000 in damages from the fires and subsequent mudslides, which is expected to grow over time, according to the governor’s office.

A bipartisan Colorado congressional delegation also sent a letter supporting Polis’ request. The delegation included U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and U.S. Reps. Jeff Hurd, Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank, Jason Crow, Diana DeGette, Gabe Evans, Joe Neguse and Brittany Pettersen.

The wildfires “destroyed homes, buildings, transportation infrastructure, thousands of acres of rangeland used for livestock production, and caused extensive damage to oil and gas and rural electrical transmission infrastructure,” the letter states. Residents also face ongoing hazards from the fire, including debris, burned trees and threats to water quality and drinking water infrastructure, according to the letter.

“Successful recovery is essential to restoring the country’s economy, which depends on oil and gas, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and hunting and fishing,” the lawmakers wrote. “Without additional support, residents could face increased electricity costs, oil and gas production could slow, and important habitat and grazing lands could be lost.”