Wildfires in Western Colorado: What You Need To Know For September

We have had enough wildfires in Western Colorado this summer to last us the rest of the decade. While flames are showing signs of slowing around Grand Junction, the smoke and risks will last into September.

The Lee Fire is now 99% contained, but still looms as one of Colorado’s largest wildfires to date. The Derby Fire continues to burn in Eagle County, and the Stoner Mesa Fire passed the 10,000-acre mark over the weekend. Here’s the breakdown you need—what’s under control, what’s still active, and what you can do to stay safe as fall begins.

Which Wildfires Are Still Burning In Western Colorado?

An overview of Western Colorado’s current fire situation appears more manageable now than at the end of July.

• Lee Fire: While this wildfire is 99% contained, it has burned a significant area around the city of Meeker. A total of 137,758 acres have been burned to date.
• Derby Fire: This fire burns near the Flattops Wilderness, North of Dotsero, near the protected areas of Sweetwater and Sweetwater Lake. This fire has burned 5,475 acres to date and is 25% contained as of September 2.
• Stoner Mesa Fire: As bow hunting season opens, the Stoner Mesa is still threatening Dolores and Montezuma counties as September begins. The fire has burned 10,249 acres to date, and is 45% contained as of September 2.
• Turner Gulch Fire: The Turner Gulch Fire has been burning since July 10, taking out more than 31,699 acres to date. The fire is more than 96% contained, likely 100% contained by the end of the week.

Which Wildfires Are Now 100% Contained?

Did you know that wildfires in Colorado have destroyed more than 218,000 acres so far this summer? Fires have also destroyed at least 66 buildings around the Western Slope. The following wildfires have reached 100% containment:

• Wright Draw: 466 acres in Unaweep Canyon. 100% contained.
• Deer Creek: 17,724 acres along the Utah/Colorado state line. 100% contained.
• Sowbelly Fire: 2,274 acres in the Dominguez-Escalante Conservation Area. 100% contained.
• Elk Fire: 14518 acres East of Meeker, Colorado, 100% contained.
• Crosho Fire: 2073 acres were burned in Rio Blanco County, located about 50 miles north of the Derby Fire. 100% contained.
• Leroux Fire: 195 acres in Delta County, Northwest of Hotchkiss. 100% contained.

What Changed in the Last Two Weeks

A little bit of late-August rainfall has helped ease the drought stress, but Western Colorado is not out of the woods yet. In August, the Lee Fire passed Colorado’s famous Hayman Fire (2002) to become the 4th largest wildfire in Colorado history.

Wildfire hot spots can smolder for weeks, meaning the risks will not truly fade until the snow blanket hits the high country. It’s worth watching the National Preparedness Level (holding steady at 3), meaning moderate national demand for resources persists. Stay alert, stay informed with our station app, and don’t let your guard down before winter.

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