Steep Fire – New Start Just North of Elk Fire – 8.12.26

UPDATE: Thursday, 8.13.26 – Firefighters made great progress yesterday on the new wildfire, the Steep Fire, holding the fire to approximately 2 acres. Ground and aviation resources worked together throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Crews were able to establish fireline around the entire perimeter, while aviation resources dropped approximately 14,000 gallons of water on the fire.

By late Wednesday evening, firefighters had transitioned primarily to mop-up operations, working to extinguish remaining heat and strengthen the line around the fire.

Wednesday, 8.12.26

Gunnison County Emergency Management and Gunnison Regional 9-1-1 are aware of a new fire start in the southern area of Gunnison County, approximately 2.5 miles north of the Elk Fire perimeter (just south of U.S. Forest Service Road 868). Watch Duty is reporting is as the Steep Fire and it is currently estimated to be 2 acres.

An initial attack from helicopter support assigned to the Elk Fire is currently dropping water around the fire start and a ground crew has arrived on scene. Smoke will be visible in and around the area. Please do not call 9-1-1 to report smoke.

Please be alert for emergency services along Highway 149 so they can safely access the scene. A Temporary Flight Restriction is still in place around the Elk Fire, which includes this new fire start location- do not attempt to fly any drones in the area for safety of the firefighters in the air and on the ground.

Updates will be provided once available.