Welcome Back.

Streak: 9 days i

Stories you've missed since your last login:

Stories you've saved for later:

Recommended stories based on your interests:

Edit my interests

Finger pushing
[location-weather id="1320728"]


Wildfire update: Containment efforts continue on several blazes in western Colorado

Elkhorn Fire 072825.jpeg

Containment efforts continue on several wildfires in western Colorado, including two that started over the weekend, according to incident officials.

The Elkhorn fire, burning on La Plata County and U.S. Forest Service land northwest of Durango, has more than doubled in size since Sunday, officials said. The blaze, which started out as a structure fire on Saturday before moving into the wildland, has grown to 314 acres with 0% containment, according to the Elkhorn Fire Information Facebook page. On Sunday afternoon, the fire had been mapped at 145 acres.

Battle against western Colorado wildfires continues, 2 near full containment

The fire has been moving northeast, away from structures, but more than 40 homes were evacuated over the weekend, according to a news release.

La Plata County residents are advised to stay away from fire areas and refrain from flying drones overhead.

“Firefighting aircraft are unable to perform their critical duties if civilian drones are in the air,” the news release stated. “Interfering with firefighting operations on public lands can incur a fine of up to $20,000 and 12 months in prison.”

Safety officers have reported no injuries to firefighting personnel or the public.

The Rim Road fire, located along County Road 318, is currently at about 114 acres with no containment reported, according to a news release from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The blaze was first reported at about 3 p.m. Saturday.

Crews were primarily focused on keeping the flames from reaching a nearby oil field, according to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

Here are updates on other wildfires in the western part of the state:

Western Colorado wildfires update: Access to Blue Mesa Reservoir resumes

Featured Local Savings

Turner Gulch fire

The largest of several fires ignited by lightning strikes earlier this month, the Turner Gulch blaze has scorched 19,432 acres and as of Monday afternoon. The wildfire remains at 54% containment, according to InciWeb, an incident information website.

South Rim fire

The South Rim blaze is holding at 4,232 acres and 41% containment as of Monday morning, according to incident officials. Most of the remaining heat is inside the fire perimeter as the blaze begins to run out of fuel to burn.

A new fire in Montrose County, called the Kinikin fire, forced a closure on Highway 50 at mile marker 102 on Sunday, but the roadway has been opened to alternating traffic, according to the Gunnison Regional 911 Center.

Sowbelly fire

The most recent update on the Sowbelly fire, which spans Mesa and Delta counties, was July 25, according to InciWeb. The blaze has burned 2,274 acres and is at 95% containment.

Wright Draw fire

The Wright Draw fire has reached 466 acres and is at 92% containment as of Monday afternoon, incident officials said.

Deer Creek fire

The Deer Creek fire, which started in Utah and crossed into western Colorado, is currently holding at 17,724 acres and 77% containment, according to InciWeb.


Ad block goes here

Sponsored Content