Colorado Fire Update: Evacuations Lifted, More Is Open

Who is ready for a little good news from the fire lines in Western Colorado? After more than two months of watching Gold Mountain and Elk fires affect Montrose, Ouray, Gunnison, and Hinsdale counties in Colorado, the picture is finally starting to change.

Officials have removed the evacuation zones around Gold Mountain Fire, and federal land managers have begun to shrink recreation closures in time for Labor Day Weekend. Here’s what’s going on.

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Two Colorado Fires, Much Calmer Conditions

Colorado Gold Mountain Fire: Evacuations Are Now Lifted — Inciweb.wildfire.gov

Gold Mountain Fire has burned 39,744 acres and is 92% contained, with the Crawford Incident Management Team overseeing the final phase. Recent rainfall has reduced fire behavior of both the Gold Mountain and Elk Fires to smoldering and creeping fuels. Elk Fire stands at 7,257 acres and is 66% contained, under Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 2 until September 3.

Zones 32 and 33 are Finally Clear

At Noon on Monday, August 31, Gunnison County removed zones 032 (South of Storm King) and 033 from pre-evacuation status, meaning there are no remaining Gold Mountain evacuation zones in Gunnison or Montrose County. This means areas including Bear Claw, Eagle's Rest, and Little Bighorn subdivisions have reopened.

Elk Fire Evacuation zones that are still active include Zone 2, 3A, and 5. Command of Elk Fire is being transferred back to the Forest Service on September 3. The Wyoming Type 3 Team leaving does not mean the fire is out, but is an appropriate next step for current conditions.

Some Favorite Colorado Destinations are Back

The Forest Service has reopened several popular recreation destinations, including Nellie Creek Road and Trailhead, Uncompahgre Peak and Trail, Wetterhorn Peak and Trail, and Matterhorn Peak. The BLM also terminated its remaining Gold Mountain emergency closure near Ouray and Ridgway. Find the current Gold Mountain Fire and Elk Fire Closure Map here.

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Source: Fire Command Has Good News for Colorado’s Labor Day Weekend

Filed Under: Colorado Wildfires, Montrose Colorado, Ouray Colorado

Categories: Colorado Local, Colorado News