Snyder Fire

Closures along the Colorado River have been lifted as the Snyder Fire, which burned over 30,200 acres and is 98% contained, nears full containment. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reopened areas like the James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park and Loma Boat Launch, while the Bureau of Land Management lifted some closures but maintained restrictions within the fire perimeter. Three firefighters died in the blaze, and the fire is one of several large wildfires currently burning in Colorado.

Colorado commemorates 32 years since the 1994 Storm King Mountain fire that killed 14 firefighters, while mourning three recent fatalities in the Snyder Fire. The victims included members of the Prineville Hotshots, Missoula and McCall Smokejumpers, and helitack crews, with names like Kathi Beck, Tamera Bickett, and others listed for the 1994 tragedy. Federal firefighters Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson were killed June 27 while battling the Snyder Fire.

Two wedding parties on the Colorado River were evacuated during the Snyder Fire as search and rescue teams conducted a large-scale operation. Groups initially planned casual river trips but faced unexpected challenges, including smoke, strong winds, and train-assisted evacuations.

The Aspen Acres Fire has become the seventh largest wildfire in Colorado history, burning 91,523 acres with 12% containment. The Ferris Fire has burned 47,780 acres at 21% containment, while the Snyder Fire is unaffected by nearby storms. A community meeting for Aspen Acres Fire impacts is scheduled in Pueblo.

Three firefighters—Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson—killed in the Snyder Fire near Grand Junction, Colorado, were honored at a memorial service. The event included speeches and a traditional last call from dispatch, with Colorado Governor Jared Polis ordering flags flown at half-staff statewide in their honor.

The Aspen Acres fire southwest of Pueblo expanded by 10,000 acres overnight, becoming the 8th largest fire by acreage in Colorado history. The Snyder fire on the Western Slope reported major gains, while other fires experienced modest growth.

Two wedding parties, including a bachelor party and a bachelorette party, were evacuated from the Colorado River near Ruby-Horsethief Canyon due to the approaching Snyder Fire. The evacuations, involving over 120 people, required a complex 11-hour operation by Mesa County Search and Rescue, with Union Pacific Railroad providing hi-rail trucks for transport.

A wildfire southwest of Denver has forced thousands to evacuate and destroyed over 160 structures. The Aspen Acres fire, fueled by dry weather, expanded to nearly 105 square miles with zero containment, prompting evacuations in Colorado City, Beulah, Rye, and San Isabel. Firefighters used water from the Pueblo Reservoir, and 50 National Guard soldiers were deployed to assist with checkpoints.

A wildfire southwest of Denver has forced thousands to evacuate and destroyed over 160 structures, expanding to nearly 105 square miles with zero containment. The Aspen Acres fire, fueled by dry weather, impacted towns like Colorado City, Beulah, Rye, and San Isabel, with 50 National Guard soldiers assisting in checkpoints and water-scooping operations. Other significant fires include the Snyder Fire, Cottonwood fire, and Babylon fire in the West.

A wildfire southwest of Denver, known as the Aspen Acres fire, has forced thousands to evacuate and destroyed over 160 structures. The fire, fueled by dry weather and erratic winds, expanded to 105 square miles with zero containment, prompting evacuations in Colorado City, Beulah, Rye, and San Isabel. The National Guard assisted with checkpoints and water-scooping operations at the Pueblo Reservoir.

Fast-moving wildfires are scorching thousands of acres across the western United States, driven by low humidity, dry vegetation, and strong winds. The Aspen Acres Fire in Colorado burned over 28,000 acres and 155 structures, while the Snyder Fire killed three firefighters. Evacuations are ongoing as dangerous fire weather persists through the week.

Firefighters achieved 10% containment of the Snyder fire, the state's largest wildfire near the Colorado-Utah border, but dangerous weather continues to threaten multiple fires near Ouray, Beulah, Dolores, Leadville, and Walsenburg.

Mesa County Search and Rescue coordinated the largest-ever evacuation of 123 campers due to the Snyder fire near the Colorado River. The effort involved collaboration with BLM rangers, CPW, local bus drivers, and Union Pacific to evacuate rafters from Ruby-Horsethief Canyon.

Colorado fire departments are deploying crews and specialized equipment to combat wildfires like the Ferris Fire and Snyder Fire. Agencies such as Adams County Fire Rescue and Westminster Fire Department sent personnel and Type 3 Brush Trucks, which are designed for rugged terrain and carry 500 gallons of water. Officials urge residents to avoid fireworks to prevent additional fires during the dry Fourth of July period.

Colorado leaders and fire officials addressed the ongoing Snyder Fire, which has expanded to over 46 square miles with zero percent containment. The update acknowledged the deaths of three wildland firefighters and confirmed two others sustained injuries but are stable.

120 people, six dogs, and one cat were rescued from the Colorado River area as the Snyder Fire approached, using a combination of jet boats and Union Pacific Railroad high-rail trucks. Mesa County Search and Rescue officials called the operation their most complex rescue ever, highlighting teamwork and quick coordination.

Colorado leaders and fire officials held a press conference addressing the Snyder Fire, which has grown to over 46 square miles with zero containment. The update acknowledged three firefighter deaths and two injured colleagues in stable condition.

Colorado wildfires have burned over 80,000 acres, with prime fire conditions expected Tuesday due to strong winds. The Snyder Fire and Gold Mountain Fire are among the largest, threatening areas in Mesa and Ouray counties. A red flag warning and fire restrictions are in effect statewide.

Three federal wildland firefighters, including Emily Barker of Michigan, died in a burnover incident while battling merged fires near the Utah-Colorado border. The National Federation of Federal Employees and advocacy groups raised concerns about safety, staffing shortages, and escalating fire risks during the early phase of the 2026 wildfire season.

Three firefighters died while using emergency shelters during a Colorado wildfire. They were part of a specialized crew deployed by helicopter to fight rapidly escalating fires. A similar incident occurred in Arizona in 2013, where 19 firefighters died under similar circumstances.

Three firefighters were killed in a Western wildfire while deploying emergency shelters to protect themselves from flames. They were part of a specialized crew responding to rapidly escalating fires near the Colorado-Utah border.

Wildfires on the Western Slope and Utah border are sending smoke toward Denver, causing unhealthy air quality levels with high ozone and particulates. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment warns of health risks, particularly for those with asthma, while the Snyder fire near the Utah border has grown to 28,000 acres and killed three firefighters.

Multiple large wildfires are burning in western Colorado, causing evacuations, closures, and rapid spread due to high winds. The Snyder Fire merged with other fires and resulted in three firefighter deaths, while the Gold Mountain Fire, caused by a tree falling on a power line, has burned over 4,200 acres and prompted evacuations in Ouray County.

Three firefighters, including a 38-year-old woman from Clinton Township, were killed battling wildfires near the Colorado-Utah border. The incident occurred during a fast-moving burnover that trapped first responders, merging fires have burned over 28,000 acres, and the blaze remains 0% contained.

Three federal firefighters were killed in Mesa County while battling the Snyder fire. Two of the firefighters were part of the Rifle Helitack crew assigned to the Knowles and Gore fires, which were overtaken by a fire that originated in Utah.

Three firefighters were killed, and two others were injured while battling the Snyder Fire near the Colorado-Utah border. The tragedy has caused heartbreak across Colorado’s firefighting community.

Three firefighters were killed and two injured during a burnover incident while battling the Snyder Fire near the Colorado-Utah border. The firefighters, employed by the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and U.S. Forest Service, were part of an interagency response to merged wildfires covering 44 square miles. High temperatures and strong winds exacerbated the fire's rapid spread.

Three firefighters were killed and two injured while battling wildfires on the Colorado-Utah border, where hot and windy conditions caused flames to overtake them during a burnover. The incident occurred during efforts to contain the merged Knowles, Gore, and Snyder fires, which have burned over 44 square miles. Additional wildfires, including the Cottonwood Fire in Utah, are intensifying due to extreme weather.

Three firefighters died and two others were injured while using emergency shelters to escape the fast-moving Snyder Fire near the Colorado-Utah border.

Three firefighters were killed and two injured while battling wildfires on the Colorado-Utah border during a burnover incident in Mesa County, Colorado. The incident occurred as part of efforts to combat the merged Knowles, Gore, and Snyder fires, with hot and windy conditions exacerbating the situation.