Former Republican Governor Bill Owens says President Barack Obama’s visit to fire-ravaged Colorado is a distraction. Owens says Obama’s tour of Colorado Springs Friday diverts “time, equipment, energy and resources” from fighting wildfires.

The White House says Obama and his team are sensitive to ensuring visits to emergency response areas don’t impede the response. Owens was governor in 2002 during another historic wildfire season. He says he declined an offer then for a visit then from President George W. Bush.