What happened
Last checked September 26, 2026. Disaster declarations and designated areas change — always confirm current status with FEMA and with Matthew.
The Gold Mountain Fire burned in summer 2026 near Ouray, in Ouray County (FEMA authorized fire-suppression funding through a Fire Management Assistance Grant on July 1, 2026).
A correction. An earlier version of this page described the Gold Mountain Fire as affecting Gunnison County. That came from zip codes some lender bulletins listed for property inspections, not from FEMA's designations. Reports place the fire near Ouray. If you live in the region, confirm your own address in FEMA's designated areas rather than relying on a zip code list.
Where the declarations stand
Watching There are two separate federal actions to understand:
- The FMAG (July 1, 2026). A Fire Management Assistance Grant supports firefighting. It is not a major disaster declaration and doesn't by itself open 203(h).
- Colorado's major disaster request. The state later requested a major disaster declaration for its 2026 fires. FEMA's data shows DR-4944 declared September 1, 2026, with Public Assistance only for Custer, Dolores, Ouray, and Pueblo counties; Individual Assistance was not granted. News reports of the decision came in mid-September and said the state could appeal within 30 days.
So there is now a major disaster declaration in the picture, but without Individual Assistance — the designation that helps households directly and that many lenders look for with 203(h).
203(h) is time-sensitive. Tell Matthew your county and what happened to your home — he'll help you check eligibility and next steps.
Talk with MatthewWhat this means for FHA 203(h)
As of September 26, 2026, 203(h) for Gold Mountain Fire survivors is uncertain. A Public-Assistance-only designation may not make homeowners eligible. If an appeal leads to Individual Assistance for Ouray County, eligibility could open — and the one-year clock would generally run from the declaration date, so some of that year may already be used. Matthew will confirm the exact rules and deadline if the status changes.
Meanwhile, keep your documentation organized: proof you lived at the property, your insurance claim and adjuster's report, photos, and any county damage records. The requirements checklist shows everything to gather.
Options available now
- Standard FHA or conventional purchase of a replacement home, if you're ready to move on. FHA's minimum down payment applies to standard FHA loans.
- FHA 203(k) rebuild or repair. Mountain lots are hard to replace, and many owners want to rebuild. A 203(k) can fund reconstruction or major repairs. Read rebuilding with 203(h) and 203(k).
- Insurance proceeds. Wildfire is typically a covered peril on homeowner's policies. Track dwelling, contents, and additional living expense coverage separately.
- Existing mortgage help. Call your servicer about disaster forbearance and see mortgage relief options.
Possible if the status changes: SBA home disaster loans generally require Individual Assistance or a separate SBA declaration; check SBA.gov.
Rebuilding in the mountains
Rebuilding near Ouray comes with its own realities: a short construction season, limited contractor availability, and wildfire-resistant building requirements that may apply in some areas. Talk with Ouray County's building office early about permits, and get more than one contractor bid if you can. Those answers will shape whether rebuilding or buying a replacement home makes more sense for your family — and Matthew can compare the two side by side.
Buying a home near the burn area
If you're purchasing in or near an affected area, lenders may require a post-fire property inspection or updated appraisal before closing to confirm the home wasn't damaged. That can apply to zip codes beyond the fire's actual footprint, which is part of how the earlier county confusion happened. Plan for the extra step in your contract timeline.
Matthew is licensed in multiple states, not everywhere — tell Matthew where the property is and he'll confirm he can help there.
Frequently asked questions
Was the Gold Mountain Fire in Gunnison County?
Reports place it near Ouray, in Ouray County. Some lender bulletins listed Gunnison County zip codes for inspections — confirm your own address in FEMA's designated areas.
Does the FMAG make me eligible for 203(h)?
No, not by itself. 203(h) depends on a Presidential major disaster declaration, and many lenders look for Individual Assistance designation.
What happens if Colorado's appeal succeeds?
If Individual Assistance is approved for your county, 203(h) may become available. The one-year clock generally runs from the declaration date — Matthew will confirm.
Find out if FHA 203(h) fits your situation
Tell Matthew a little about the property and your plans. He'll follow up by phone or email — no obligation.
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