A new wildfire flared up Sunday near the 4,000-acre South Rim Fire in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, prompting the closure of U.S. Highway 50 at Finnegan in Montrose County. Resources from the South Rim Fire were quickly deployed to help local agencies contain the new blaze.
Meanwhile, firefighters are making progress on several major wildfires burning across Colorado’s Western Slope. More than 30,000 acres have been scorched across at least five fires in Delta, Mesa, and Montrose counties, as well as parts of eastern Utah.
Most were sparked by lightning during a single weather event on July 10. No fatalities have been reported, though several structures—including park facilities—have been damaged or destroyed.
Gov. Jared Polis verbally declared a disaster on July 13, enabling state and federal assistance.
South Rim Fire
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Size: 4,220 acres
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Containment: 41%
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Location: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
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Cause: Lightning
Burning within Black Canyon National Park, the South Rim Fire has destroyed parts of the South Rim Campground, bathrooms, and overlooks. The visitor center, administration building, and entrance booth were spared. Evacuations remain in place for the park and nearby areas including Bostwick Park and roads N73, N74, and O74. Highway 437 is closed at Highway 50. Over 300 firefighters are on scene, supported by aircraft and ground crews. The North Rim will reopen to visitors on July 30, but the South Rim remains closed.
Sowbelly Fire
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Size: 2,274 acres
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Containment: 95%
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Location: Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area
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Cause: Lightning
Located in the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, this fire is nearly contained. Crews are using a mix of direct and indirect tactics to prevent spread into Escalante Canyon. No structures have been lost, and no evacuations are in place.
Wright Draw Fire
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Size: 466 acres
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Containment: 94%
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Location: 8 miles northeast of Gateway
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Cause: Lightning
Burning off Highway 141, this fire triggered evacuations between mile markers 120–124. Crews have established fire lines and completed structure protection north of the fire on Piñon Mesa. No injuries or structural damage have been reported.
Turner Gulch Fire
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Size: 19,139 acres
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Containment: 54%
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Location: 8 miles northeast of Gateway
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Cause: Lightning
The largest wildfire in Colorado right now, Turner Gulch continues to grow under critical fire conditions. Evacuations are in place along Highway 141 from mile markers 120–124 and 128–131. Crews are making progress with bulldozers and direct line construction.
Deer Creek Fire
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Size: 17,724 acres
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Containment: 77%
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Location: 1 mile north of Old La Sal (eastern Utah, extending into Montrose County)
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Cause: Under investigation
Nearly 600 firefighters are battling this fire, which led to evacuations in parts of San Juan County, Utah, and Montrose County, Colorado. Recent rains and cloud cover have helped slow fire growth. Crews continue to focus on containment and extinguishing hot spots. There are no confirmed reports of structural loss.
Most of Colorado’s Western Slope remains under severe or extreme drought conditions, intensifying fire risk across the region.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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