The claim synthesizes three factors: drought, climate change, and population growth. The evidence confirms the link between drought and climate change leading to increased fire risk (e.g., [web_search] Drought Impacts | U.S. Geological Survey - USGS.gov: 'Climate-driven forest disturbances, particularly drought-induced tree mortality and large high-severity fires from increasingly warm and dry conditions...'). The evidence also notes that extreme weather events, including wildfires, are influenced by climate change (e.g., [web_search] Extreme Weather and Climate Change: Population Health and Health System...). While the evidence does not explicitly quantify 'population growth in wildfire-prone areas' as a direct cause, the combination of drought and climate change risks is strongly corroborated by multiple scientific sources.

Multiple web search results confirm that Gov. Jared Polis declared May as Wildfire Awareness Month and urged citizens to prepare their homes and communities for fire danger. Sources include [web_search] Coloradans Urged to Reduce Wildfire Risk While Staying at Home: Today, Governor Jared Polis signed a proclamation declaring May as Wildfire Awareness Month...; [web_search] Officials Urge Coloradans To Do Their Part In Wildfire Prevention: May is Wildfire Awareness Month in Colorado...; and [web_search] What Does it Mean to Live "Wildfire-Ready"? - Ark Valley Voice: Gov. Jared Polis proclaimed May as Wildfire Awareness Month in Colorado... This constitutes corroboration from multiple independent reports.