Hinsdale County

The Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County has burned 37,734 acres and is 13% contained as of Thursday. Mop-up efforts continue with no structures reported lost, though the cause remains under investigation. Containment increased slightly from 11% to 13% over two days, with crews focusing on structure protection and securing firelines.

Mandatory evacuations have been issued for parts of northern Hinsdale County due to the 574.4-acre Elk Fire burning on U.S. Forest Service land. The fire, which began on July 9 in remote terrain, is being managed with indirect suppression tactics due to inaccessibility, and zones HNS-E002 and HNS-E005 are under evacuation orders. Road closures and traffic advisories are in effect near the fire.

Mandatory evacuations have been issued for parts of northern Hinsdale County due to the 574.4-acre Elk Fire burning on U.S. Forest Service land. Firefighters are using indirect suppression tactics because of the fire's remote location, and Forest Service Road 868 is closed to the public.

Pre-evacuation notices have been issued in Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties due to the Elk Fire. The notices are aimed at areas affected by the fire.

Crews are battling the Elk Fire, a new blaze that ignited east of the Gold Mountain Fire, burning 30-40 acres as of Thursday night. Airtankers are dropping retardant, causing increased smoke in the valley, with wind carrying additional smoke from the Gold Mountain Fire. The U.S. Forest Service and aerial resources from the Gold Mountain Fire are assisting in the response.

The Gold Mountain Fire has grown to 27,698 acres in Gunnison County, prompting new mandatory and voluntary evacuations. Firefighters are working to contain the blaze, which is 3% contained, with operations focusing on indirect containment lines due to rugged terrain.