Colorado's Elk Fire: Here's What We Know So Far

Colorado’s 2026 Elk Fire is a wildfire burning in the Uncompahgre Wilderness between Elk Creek and Little Elk Creek, near the Gunnison-Hinsdale county line.

First reported on July 9, the fire started naturally following a lightning strike, and immediately sparked a response from firefighters, helicopters, and air tankers due to the steep, rugged terrain. While the Wyoming Interagency Management Type 3 Team One takes command of the fire, here’s what we know about the fire right now.

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Where Is the Elk Fire Burning?

Everything We Know About Colorado's Elk Fire Right Now — U.S. Forest Service-Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests Via Facebook

The Elk Fire has the potential to make a bad wildfire season even worse if it joins up with the already fierce Gold Mountain Fire to the West. Elk Fire is only 3.5 miles from Colorado’s busy highway 149, and only about 6 miles Northwest of Lake City. The fire is in the backcountry with limited access for firefighters, requiring helicopters and hand crews to battle the blaze.

Evacuations and Closures: What Residents Need to Know

Both Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties have now issued pre-evacuation warnings for the Elk Fire. In Gunnison County, Zone GNN-220 covers Highway 149 in Gunnison County. Several zones in Hinsdale County are also issuing pre-evacuation warnings for properties along 149 in Hinsdale County. See the evacuation zone map for the Gold Mountain Fire and Elk Fire here. Gold Mountain and Elk Fire Information updates (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) are available at 970-325-3056.

How Is the Elk Fire Connected to the Gold Mountain Fire?

The Gold Mountain Fire and the Elk Fire are separate incidents. The bad news is that the proximity of these fires means there is a risk of these fires merging. The good news is that fire managers can share assets and aircraft when conditions permit. It’s possible that smoke from these fires could combine to make travel difficult around Lake City and Highway 149. The most reliable updates are available through Watch Duty, Gunnison County Office of Emergency Management, Hinsdale County Sheriff's Office, and the GMUG National Forests.

LOOK: Colorado Wildfire Damage by Year, Number of Fires + Acres Burned

Colorado has seen its fair share of wildfires over the years, but the numbers really start to tell the story when you look at them year by year.

From just a few thousand acres burned in the '90s to massive jumps in the 2000s, it’s clear something has changed.

We dug into the data to see which years were the worst and how things have shifted across the state.

Gallery Credit: Tim Gray

MORE: See Photos of the Gold Mountain Fire Near Ouray, Colorado

The wildfire burning above Ouray has disrupted travel along the Million Dollar Highway, prompted mandatory evacuations, and brought an aggressive response from local, state, and federal firefighting agencies. As crews battle steep slopes, heavy timber, and challenging weather, fire conditions continue to evolve.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

COOL OFF: Beat the Heat at These Grand Valley Pools and Splash Pads

When Grand Junction temperatures climb into the 90s and triple digits, families start looking for affordable ways to stay cool without leaving town. Fortunately, Grand Valley residents have several options, from the Olympic-sized Lincoln Park-Moyer Pool to the lazy river at the Fruita Community Center and the free splash pad at Dos Rios Park.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

Source: Everything We Know About Colorado’s Elk Fire Right Now