Colorado's Gold Mountain Fire Threatens More Mountain Homes

Residents in Gunnison and Montrose counties have kept a close eye on the Gold Mountain Fire, and for good reason. As the fire spreads north, mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders are spreading too.

The fire has burned more than 31,400 acres and was 2% contained at the end of the day Monday. More than 820 firefighters and support personnel are on the ground protecting homes, critical infrastructure, and communities around Ouray, Ridgway, and the Cimarron Valley. Here’s what we know today.

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New Mandatory Evacuation Orders Issued Monday

Colorado's Gold Mountain Fire Grows as New Evacuations Begin — Gold Mountain Fire 20260630_Smoke3_DHarms inciweb.wildfire.go

Our listeners got the news on Monday that the Gold Mountain Fire is expected to push further to the north and northeast this week. Both Gunnison and Montrose counties continue to prepare, as a mandatory evacuation has been issued for Zone 32. This zone is just south of Storm King and covers both sides of the Cimmaron Ridge, extending east to Co Rd 864A. This area includes Bear Claw, Silver Jack, Eagle's Rest, and Little Bighorn subdivisions. Zone 33 and Zone 34 are under a voluntary (pre-evacuation) order. Find a map of Western Colorado’s evacuation zones here.

Road Closures Between Montrose and Ouray May Change Quickly

If you need to drive between Montrose and Ouray this week, be prepared to encounter detours. If they need lots of fire equipment along the highway, expect U.S. 550 to close. If it does, county road detours can still take you around the area (County Road 10, County Road 24, County Road 17, and U.S. 62). Do not follow GPS onto gravel roads or mountain passes. It’s a good idea to check with CDOT at COTrip.org before you start.

Ridgway Reservoir May Close When Water-Scooping Aircraft Are Flying

Trying to put out large wildfires means everyone is making sacrifices. Visitors at Ridgway State Park and Ridgway Reservoir may arrive to find the water closed to boating. When “super scooper” aircraft are in the area collecting water to battle the fire, the reservoir will be closed to boats and recreation. If the plans are elsewhere, fighting fires, the reservoir may reopen. Check the latest status by contacting Ridgway State Park at (970) 626-5822.

LOOK: See Photos of the Gold Mountain Fire Near Ouray, Colorado

The wildfire burning above Ouray has disrupted travel along the Million Dollar Highway, prompted mandatory evacuations, and brought an aggressive response from local, state, and federal firefighting agencies. As crews battle steep slopes, heavy timber, and challenging weather, fire conditions continue to evolve.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

MORE: See Stunning Photos of Colorado's Snyder Mesa Fire

Throughout the Snyder Mesa Fire, Grand Valley listeners shared photos showing towering smoke columns, glowing ridgelines, aircraft battling the flames, and the wildfire's impact on communities west of Grand Junction.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

NEXT: Colorado Wildfire Damage by Year, Number of Fires + Acres Burned

Colorado has seen its fair share of wildfires over the years, but the numbers really start to tell the story when you look at them year by year.

From just a few thousand acres burned in the '90s to massive jumps in the 2000s, it’s clear something has changed.

We dug into the data to see which years were the worst and how things have shifted across the state.

Gallery Credit: Tim Gray

Source: Colorado’s Gold Mountain Fire Grows as New Evacuations Begin

Filed Under: Colorado Wildfires, Montrose Colorado, Ouray Colorado

Categories: Colorado Local, Colorado News