Colorado Wildfires Burn Over 53,000 Acres as New Blazes Erupt Across Western Slope

At least six wildfires are burning across state and federal lands in Colorado, with more than 53,000 acres scorched so far. Over the weekend, five new wildfires ignited along the state’s Western Slope, fueled by hot, dry weather and widespread drought conditions.

Officials say lightning sparked at least eight of the nine fires that had been active at one point. Though no lives have been lost, several structures, including national park facilities, have sustained damage or been destroyed. Governor Jared Polis has issued verbal disaster declarations to activate emergency resources.

Coulter Creek Fire

Size: 107 acres
Containment: 100%
Location: Carbondale, Colo.
Cause: Likely lightning

Thanks to aggressive firefighting, the Coulter Creek Fire is now fully contained. No homes were lost, but one outbuilding was destroyed. Crews will continue patrolling for hot spots.

Deer Creek Fire

Size: 17,724 acres
Containment: 95%
Location: 1 mile north of Old La Sal (eastern Utah and Montrose County, CO)
Cause: Lightning

Nearly 600 firefighters are working to control this large fire, which has prompted evacuations. Rain and cloud cover have helped ease fire activity. Repair work is underway in affected areas.

Elk Fire

Size: 3,000 acres
Containment: 0%
Location: 11 miles east of Meeker
Cause: Lightning

The Elk Fire is actively burning on private, state, and BLM lands. One home and four outbuildings have been destroyed. Multiple roads are closed, and evacuation orders are in place.

Grease Fire

Size: 5,000 acres (includes Lee Fire)
Containment: 0%
Location: 12 miles west of Meeker
Cause: Lightning

Burning rapidly in dry brush and grass, the Grease Fire is threatening oil, gas, and power infrastructure. Over 70 firefighters are battling the blaze, and pre-evacuation orders are in place for nearby homes.

Lee Fire

Size: 5,000 acres (includes Grease Fire)
Containment: 0%
Location: 20 miles southwest of Meeker
Cause: Lightning

Evacuation orders have been issued for several county roads near Meeker. The fire continues to burn actively, with multiple road closures in effect.

Leroux Fire

Size: 700 acres
Containment: 0%
Location: Northwest of Hotchkiss, Delta County
Cause: Lightning

Fifteen homes have been evacuated, and 152 are under pre-evacuation notices. Structures are threatened, and emergency crews from multiple departments are responding. An evacuation center has been set up in Hotchkiss.

South Rim Fire

Size: 4,232 acres
Containment: 92%
Location: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Cause: Lightning

While mostly contained, the fire severely damaged the park’s South Rim area, including campgrounds and overlooks. Investigators warn of future hazards like mudslides and debris flows. The North Rim remains open; the South Rim is still closed to the public.

Turner Gulch Fire

Size: 22,053 acres
Containment: 49%
Location: 8 miles northeast of Gateway, Colo.
Cause: Lightning

This is the largest of Colorado’s active fires. Over 400 firefighters are working to fully suppress it. Evacuation zones have been reduced, and no structures have been lost.

Wright Draw Fire

Size: 466 acres
Containment: 100%
Location: Near Gateway, Colo.
Cause: Lightning

The Wright Draw Fire is now fully contained, with no injuries or property loss reported.

Authorities continue to monitor all active fire zones closely, with red flag warnings issued in several areas due to ongoing dry and windy conditions.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.

Katie Baylett

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.