DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is offering unemployment benefits to workers who lost their jobs and others who are unable to work because of the High Park and Waldo Canyon wildfires that began on June 9.

The benefits are being offered to people who live or work in El Paso and Larimer counties where the fires occurred. The department said Monday that benefits could continue through December if workers remain unemployed.

To qualify, the state wants proof applicants were working at the time.

The department says applicants can also contact workforce centers to get help finding another job.

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