Gold Mountain Fire Information
UPDATE 7.12.26, 10:00 p.m.
Gunnison County Sheriff Adam Murdie reports that at 5:17 p.m. on July 12, 2026, Gunnison Regional Communications Center received a call regarding an aircraft down in the Silver Jack Reservoir in the southwestern portion of Gunnison County. The aircraft has been confirmed to be engaged in firefighting operations with the Gold Mountain Fire.
There was one person on board the aircraft, and following a search by the Montrose County Sheriff's Office dive team, Sheriff Adam Murdie confirms that the the body of the pilot has been recovered this evening. The body will be transported to the Gunnison County Coroner's Office. No further information will be released until the next of kin has been notified. All inquiries should be directed to the Gunnison County Public Information Officer, Nicole Stone, at 970-642-4666 or [email protected].
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The Gold Mountain Fire is at 35,621 acres and 13% containment. The evacuation zones in southwestern Gunnison County remain in the same designation as yesterday:
🟥 Zone 32: remains Mandatory Evacuation
🟨 Zone 33: remains in Voluntary Evacuation
EVACUATION INFORMATION
The Gunnison County Sheriff has issued a Mandatory Evacuation Notice for Zone 32 in southwest Gunnison County. This is the area south of Storm King, east of Cimmaron Ridge to County Rd 864A in the Cimmaron Valley to the US Forest Service boundary. This includes the Bear Claw, Silver Jack, Eagle's Rest, and Little Bighorn subdivisions.
Exact boundaries can be found on the Evacuation Map, available here: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=a245e662d7d74b679c420acb6b20ba83
GO NOW! Grab your Go-Kit and leave the area immediately. For sheltering needs, call 970-641-7660 once you arrive to a safe location outside of the evacuation zone.
If you need to evacuate livestock or large animals such as horses, cattle, goats, swine, sheep, the Montrose County Fairgrounds, located at 1001 N 2nd St, Montrose, CO 81401, has been set up as an evacuation location. Call 970-355-3286 if you are bringing animals. Mandatory vet checks will be conducted on all animals entering.
If you choose to ignore this Mandatory Evacuation Order, you must understand that emergency services may not be available and you may not be rescued.
Below is a list of resources for evacuees:
- Sign up for Gunnison Regional Alerts for emergency communications at the Gunnison County Emergency Management website or here: https://emergency.gunnisoncounty.org/
- Turn on notifications for the Gold Mountain Fire in the Watch Duty App
- Visit the Gold Mountain Fire Inciweb page for updated fire information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cogmf-gold-mountain-fire
- Call the Gunnison County Emergency Operations Center for questions: 970-641-7660
Gunnison County Emergency Management is sending out Gunnison Regional Alerts to persons registered with addresses in the defined evacuation zones located within Gunnison County. You will not receive alerts if you do not live in zoned areas.
The Gunnison County Sheriff has issued a Voluntary Evacuation Notice for Zone 33 in southwest Gunnison County. This is the area east of County Road 864A and West of Big Blue Creek, up to the BLM boundary; and south of the intersection of County Road 883 and County Road 864, also known as Little Cimmaron; and north of the Forest Service Boundary. This includes properties along Johnson Park Rd and Little Cimmaron Rd within this boundary.
Evacuation Map: https://maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=a245e662d7d74b679c420acb6b20ba83
Review the map now if you live in the area of southwest Gunnison County to get familiar with your zone.
Voluntary Evacuation means:
➡️ This area is NOT under a Mandatory Evacuation order yet, but your area is at high risk.
➡️ Conditions may change quickly, and we need you to be prepared and ready in case a mandatory evacuation is issued.
➡️ If you require a longer time to evacuate due to medical issues, livestock needs, or other factors, we urge you to begin evacuation preparations immediately and be ready to leave at a moment's notice.
INFORMATION RESOURCES:
➡️ View a daily operational briefings here: https://www.youtube.com/@GoldMountainFire
➡️ To follow the Gold Mountain Fire on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoldMountainFire
➡️ To view the Evacuation Map, click here.
➡️ For information, call the Gunnison County Emergency Operations Center at 970-641-7660.
➡️ For updated information on the Gold Mountain Fire, go to http://inciweb.wildfire.gov/inci.../cogmf-gold-mountain-fire.
➡️ For air quality information for your area visit: https://fire.airnow.gov/?lang=en#8.05/38.888/-106.828
*****Gunnison County Emergency Management is sending out Gunnison Regional Alerts to persons registered with addresses in the defined evacuation zones located within Gunnison County. You will not receive alerts if you do not live in zoned areas. Click here to sign up.
AIR QUALITY INFORMATION
During wildfire incidents, citizens should monitor air quality for your health and safety, especially if you have certain medical conditions. Below are air quality resources:
To sign up for emailed Air Quality Alerts, visit https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/request_alerts.aspx
To check air quality in your area: https://fire.airnow.gov/?lang=en#8.05/38.888/-106.828
To track smoke levels: https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/products/land/hms.html#maps
Tips and information about wildfire smoke and your health: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/apcd/wildfire-smoke-and-health
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Smoke Blog: https://colosmokeoutlook.blogspot.com/
If you have questions about air quality and your personal health, contact your primary care provider.
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PAST UPDATES
UPDATE 7.10.26, 11:00 a.m.
The Gold Mountain Fire is at 33,185 acres and 7% containment. The evacuation zones in southwestern Gunnison County remain in the same designation as yesterday:
🟥 Zone 32: remains Mandatory Evacuation
🟨 Zone 33: remains in Voluntary Evacuation
(See below for evacuation map and information).
Crews made good progress on the fire yesterday. Firefighters continued put out any smoldering areas, referred to as mop-up, and patrolled the southern and southeastern portions of the fire area. Strategic firing operations near Owl Creek, Cow Creek, and Nate Creek helped reduce available fuels and strengthen containment lines. Heavy equipment is also being used to protect nearby communities by strengthening indirect firelines by removing additional vegetation.
Firefighters continue to monitor spot fires east of Cimarron Ridge. The most significant fire growth occurred in the Nate Creek area, where a large spot fire continued progression northeast along the west side of Cimarron Ridge. Most fire activity outside of Nate Creek is limited to smoldering, creeping, and occasional single-tree torching as heavy fuels continue to burn within the fire's interior.
Structure protection remains a priority around Silver Jack Reservoir, High Mesa, Bear Claw, and nearby homes and ranches. Firefighters are preparing structures, improving defensible space, and reinforcing containment lines to help keep the fire away from values at risk.
Today will be slightly warmer and drier, with lighter winds. There is a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms, which could bring lightning and gusty, unpredictable winds. A Heat Advisory goes into effect on Saturday for lower elevations and continues through Monday as hot, dry weather settles into the area.
UPDATE 7.9.26, 10:00 a.m.
Warm, dry weather will continue to increase fire potential across the incident through the end of the week. Today's forecast calls for lower humidity, warmer temperatures, and west to northwest winds with afternoon gusts of 20–25 mph. While a few isolated thunderstorms are possible, they are not expected to produce meaningful rainfall. Any storms that develop could generate erratic winds capable of increasing fire activity. An Extreme Heat Watch is also in effect on Saturday and Sunday.
The fire is now at 32,131 acres and 8% containment. 984 people are working on this incident. At this time, there has been no change to the evacuation status in Gunnison County:
🟥 Zone 32: remains Mandatory Evacuation
🟨 Zone 33: remains in Voluntary Evacuation
Firefighters continue to make steady progress strengthening containment lines while protecting communities and critical infrastructure. Crews will continue to work on structure preparation and defensible space near Silver Jack Reservoir, High Mesa, Bear Claw, and surrounding communities. Work will also continue to the north of Cimarron Ridge and in the West Fork of the Cimarron drainage to construct indirect fire lines. Indirect fire lines are containment lines that are built ahead of the fire.
Aerial operations continue with aircraft and UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems, commonly referrd to as drones) and the Temporary Flight Restriction (TRF) order in the area remains until July 18th. The TFR information can be found in the linked post below. Remember, if you fly, they can't.** Flying personal drones will ground all aircraft operations and will put crew safety at risk.
UPDATE 7.8.26, 10:00 a.m.
Fire activity remained relatively quiet on Tuesday, as increased humidity, cloud cover and light rain helped limit the spread of the fire. Rainfall totals throughout the fire zone ranged from approximately 0.05 to 0.10 inches, which was not enough to provide wet rain. Although areas of fire continue to burn within the perimeter, firefighters reported minimal growth, with fire behavior mainly limited to crawling, smoking and burning isolated trees and heavier fuels.
The fire is now at 31,420 acres and 8% containment. 976 people are working on this incident. At this time, there has been no change to the evacuation status in Gunnison County:
🟥 Zone 32: remains Mandatory Evacuation (went into this status on 7/6)
🟨 Zone 33: remains in Voluntary Evacuation (went into this status on 7/6)
UPDATE 7.7.26, 11:00 a.m.
The Gold Mountain Fire is currently at 31,420 acres with 2% containment. 928 personnel are actively working the fire. Fire movement overnight has not triggered any further changes to the evacuation zones in southwestern Gunnison County.
🟥 Zone 32: remains Mandatory Evacuation (went into this status on 7/6)
🟨 Zone 33: remains in Voluntary Evacuation (went into this status on 7/6)
Factors such as condition of the forest, drought, and below-normal precipitation are creating conditions that support fire behavior. Today's weather forecast with thunderstorms anticipated, low rainfall amounts, and winds can quickly change fire behavior.
Firefighters continue the protection of residences and critical infrastructure across the incident area. This entails structure preparation and protection measures as well as improving defensible space around structures and Highway 550 corridor. Fire activity remains high in the northern and northwestern portion of the fire and strategic firing operations have strengthened containment lines. Additional growth is expected along the eastern edge where spot fires head downslope into the West Fork of the Cimarron drainage.
**Do not fly personal zones into the fire area! This automatically grounds working aircraft, delaying suppression efforts and placing firefighters and the public at greater risk.**
As of this morning, the Gold Mountain Fire has entered southwestern Gunnison County and has triggered a MANDATORY EVACUATION notice for Zone 32 and a VOLUNTARY evacuation for Zone 33. See below for important information:
The Gunnison County Sheriff has issued a Mandatory Evacuation Notice for Zone 32 in southwest Gunnison County. This is the area south of Storm King, east of Cimmaron Ridge to County Rd 864A in the Cimmaron Valley to the US Forest Service boundary. This includes the Bear Claw, Silver Jack, Eagle's Rest, and Little Bighorn subdivisions.
This is a LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION: GO NOW! Leave the area immediately. An evacuation shelter has been set up at the Ridgway Secondary School (1200 Green St, Ridgway, CO 81432).
Evacuation Map: https://maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=a245e662d7d74b679c420acb6b20ba83
If you need to evacuate livestock/large animals (horses, cattle, goats, swine, sheep), the Montrose County Fairgrounds (1001 N 2nd St, Montrose, CO 81401) has been set up as an evacuation location. Call (970) 355-3286 if you are bringing animals. Mandatory vet checks will be conducted on all animals entering.
‼ If you choose to ignore this Mandatory Evacuation order, you must understand that emergency services will not be available and you may not be rescued.
The Gunnison County Sheriff has issued a Voluntary Evacuation Notice for Zone 33 in southwest Gunnison County. This is the area east of County Road 864A and West of Big Blue Creek, up to the BLM boundary; and south of the intersection of County Road 883 and County Road 864, also known as Little Cimmaron; and north of the Forest Service Boundary. This includes properties along Johnson Park Rd and Little Cimmaron Rd within this boundary.
Evacuation Map: https://maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=a245e662d7d74b679c420acb6b20ba83
Review the map now if you live in the area of southwest Gunnison County to get familiar with your zone.
Voluntary Evacuation means:
➡️ This area is NOT under a Mandatory Evacuation order yet, but your area is at high risk.
➡️ Conditions may change quickly, and we need you to be prepared and ready in case a mandatory evacuation is issued.
➡️ If you require a longer time to evacuate due to medical issues, livestock needs, or other factors, we urge you to begin evacuation preparations immediately and be ready to leave at a moment's notice.
UPDATE 7.5.26: 11.45 a.m.
The Gold Mountain Fire is currently at 26,405 acres and is 0% contained. 824 personnel are working on the incident. At this time the fire has not entered southwestern Gunnison County, and there have not been any changes to the Gunnison County evacuation zones:
🟨 Zone 32 remains in Voluntary Evacuation
🟩 Zone 33 remains in Pre-Evacuation
UPDATED 7.4.26, 10:00 a.m.
🟨 Zone 32 remains in Voluntary Evacuation
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UPDATED 7.3.26, 8:45 p.m.
UPDATED 7.3.26, 10:45 a.m
The Gold Mountain Fire that originated in Ouray County has progressed to the southwestern Gunnison County line near Owl Creek Pass. The fire is at 21,031 acres with 0% containment. Yesterday, although the fire was very active, the fire didn't make the northerly push that was predicted, keeping the southwestern areas of Gunnison County in a relatively stable position, though pre- and voluntary evacuation notices remain in effect (see below). Winds initially came from the west and northwest, causing significant movement to the east, primarily on the eastern side of the Cow Creek drainage. The activity also increased in the area above Highway 550. A Red Flag Warning is in effect for today between 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and authorities expect the fire to continue its movement. Updates will be posted as we receive them.
PRE-EVACUATION NOTICE: ZONE 33
The Gunnison County Sheriff has issued a Pre-Evacuation Notice for Zone 33 in southwest Gunnison County due to the Gold Mountain Fire. This is the area east of County Road 864A and West of Big Blue Creek, up to the BLM boundary; and south of the intersection of County Road 883 and County Road 864, also known as Little Cimmaron; and north of the Forest Service Boundary. This includes properties along Johnson Park Rd and Little Cimmaron Rd within this boundary.
This area is NOT on Evacuation order yet, but conditions may change quickly and we need you to be prepared and ready.
Please check the evacuation map here.
Pre-Evacuation means:
➡️ This area is NOT under a Voluntary or Mandatory Evacuation order yet, but your area is at high risk.
➡️Conditions may change quickly, and we need you to be prepared and ready in case a voluntary or mandatory evacuation is issued.
➡️If you require a longer time to evacuate due to medical issues, livestock needs, or other factors, we urge you to begin evacuation preparations immediately and be ready to leave at a moment's notice.
➡️I Be Prepared: Review your evacuation plan, assemble your Go Kit, and watch for emergency alerts. Sign up here https://emergency.gunnisoncounty.org/.
ZONE 32 REMAINS UNDER A VOLUNTARY EVACUATION NOTICE
This is the area south of Storm King, east of Cimmaron Ridge to County Rd 864A in the Cimmaron Valley to the US Forest Boundary southwest Gunnison County.
Please check the evacuation map here.
➡️ This area is NOT under a Mandatory Evacuation order yet, but your area is at high risk.
➡️ Conditions may change quickly, and we need you to be prepared and ready in case a mandatory evacuation is issued.
➡️ If you require a longer time to evacuate due to medical issues, livestock needs, or other factors, we urge you to begin evacuation preparations immediately and be ready to leave at a moment's notice.
➡️I Be Prepared: Review your evacuation plan, assemble your Go Kit, and watch for emergency alerts. Sign up here https://emergency.gunnisoncounty.org/.Be aware that fire and law enforcement personnel will be working in this area. Please give them the space they need to work safely and efficiently and obey any directives provided.
An evacuation center/shelter has been set up at the Ridgway Secondary School (1200 Green St, Ridgway, CO 81432).
If you need to evacuate livestock/large animals (horses, cattle, goats, swine, sheep), the Montrose County Fairgrounds (1001 N 2nd St, Montrose, CO 81401) has been set up as an evacuation location. Call Jaime Goza at 970-275-5344 if you are bringing animals. Mandatory vet checks will be conducted on all animals entering.
Pets (cats/dogs) can be taken to the Montrose Animal Shelter at 3383 N. Townsend Ave, Montrose, CO 81403.
For questions on evacuations and road closures, call the Ouray County Evacuations Hotline at (970) 626-5484.
For fire information, call 970-355-3286 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
UPDATED 7.1.26, 7:00 p.m.
The Gold Mountain Fire that originated in Ouray County has progressed to just west of the southwestern Gunnison County line near Owl Creek Pass. 16,559 acres with 0% containment.
A VOLUNTARY EVACUATION remains in effect for Zone 32 shown on the evacuation map in yellow: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=a245e662d7d74b679c420acb6b20ba83.
This is the area south of Storm King, east of Cimmaron Ridge to County Rd 864A in the Cimmaron Valley to the US Forest Boundary southwest Gunnison County.
Review the map now if you live in the area of southwest Gunnison County to get familiar with your zone.
Additional Information
- The U.S. Forest Service has evacuated the Cow Creek, Big Cimarron, and Silver Jack Basin areas to the East Fork of the Cimarron River.
- Forest Service Road 858 (Cimarron Road) is closed (local traffic only) at U.S. Highway 50.
- For the safety of firefighters and the public, the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests’ Ouray Ranger District has implemented a fire closure area in the vicinity of the Gold Mountain Fire. The closure area applies to all National Forest System lands within Ouray, Gunnison, and Hinsdale counties east of Hwy 550, south of Hwy 50, west of Pinnacle Ridge, north of Matterhorn Peak and Northeast of Cascade and Bridalveil creeks. The closure restricts public access to all lands, roads and trails within the described area.
For More Information
For questions about this incident, call 970-325-3056 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. or email [email protected].
For updated information about the Gold Mountain Fire, go to: https://www.facebook.com/GoldMountainFire or https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/cogmf-gold-mountain-fire.
For up to date wildfire information across Colorado, visit Watch Duty: https://app.watchduty.org/.
To learn more about Evacuation Notice terminology, click here: https://emergency.gunnisoncounty.org/preparedness/