Elk Fire Update

7-16-26 11 am

Acres: 1,980 Containment: 0%

Start Date: 7/9/2026 Cause: Lightning

Fuels: Timber (litter and understory)

Resources: 223 total personnel, including 6 helicopters, 3 hand crews, and 22 engines

Fire Information: (970) 299-5357

The Elk Fire, located north of Lake City, Colorado, has burned 1,980 acres in the Uncompahgre Wilderness and remains 0% contained. The incident is being managed by the Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 1.

As the Elk Fire continues to grow in complexity, management of the incident will transition from the Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 1 to the Northwest Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) 8 today at 6:30 p.m. This transition brings additional personnel, planning capacity, and operational support to help manage the incident safely and effectively. The incoming team will build on the work already completed while providing additional resources and support for continued suppression efforts.

Yesterday, despite thunderstorm activity in the area, fire activity remained moderate. Growth was primarily to the south and east. A prominent smoke plume was once again very visible over the fire. Fire behavior remained moderate overnight.

The fire continues to burn in remote, rugged wilderness terrain. Due to the fire's location, the inability to safely access it by ground, and the high risk associated with emergency extraction or medical evacuation, firefighters are using indirect suppression tactics around the perimeter of the fire. These tactics allow crews to work safely while establishing a secure containment footprint. Natural barriers, roads, and other strategic landscape features are being used to build fireline and protect values at risk. Firefighter safety remains the top priority. 

Today:

• Divisions Alpha and Charlie will assess indirect fire line opportunities to prep for protecting values at risk. They will utilize direct extinguishment as opportunities present themselves.

• Division X-Ray will coordinate with aircraft to moderate fire behavior and limit fire spread.

• The Structure Protection Group, comprised primarily of engine crews, will continue structure assessments and protection efforts along Highway 149.

• Night Operations will maintain awareness of fire activity along the Highway 149 corridor near and around critical infrastructure and structures.

The monsoon pattern is in full swing with increasing shower and thunderstorm chances into next week. Thunderstorms are expected again late this morning through the evening, bringing the potential for outflow winds exceeding 45 mph. Outside of thunderstorm outflows, light winds with afternoon and early evening gusts between 15-20 mph are expected. Minimum relative humidity values will increase into the upcoming weekend.

Closures and Evacuations:

Hinsdale County Sheriff’s Office has issued a “GO EVACUATE NOW (RED)” Evacuation Notice for two evacuation zones north and west of the Town of Lake City. The zones are specifically west of Highway 149, north of Independence Gulch Trailhead to the county line, Zones HNS-E002 and HNS-005.

EVACUATION CENTER HAS BEEN OPENED AT THE LAKE CITY ARMORY, 230 N. Bluff Street, Lake City.

GO EVACUATE NOW (RED) means

• THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE DANGER
• Gather family, essentials and pets and LEAVE IMMEDIATELY
• If you need help, call 9-1-1
• ACT EARLY!
• Evacuate to the north toward Gunnison or south of Lake City

The Sheriff’s Office has also issued a GET SET (YELLOW) VOLUNTARY Evacuation Notice for one evacuation zone northeast of the Town of Lake City area due to the Elk Fire.  This zone is EAST of Hwy 149, from the Valley View property to the County line, zone HNS-E006.

All other zones in Hinsdale County remain in the GET READY or GREEN status.

Exact boundaries and addresses can be found on the Evacuation Map, available here: https://protect.genasys.com/search?z=10.524131248991646&latlon=38.189885317861666%2C-107.20766635760157. Property owners can search for their property’s location in the search bar.

Residents should follow the Hinsdale County Facebook page for the latest evacuation information and sign up to receive emergency notifications through the Hinsdale County website.

Evacuation zone GNN-220 in southern Gunnison County remains in pre-evacuation status. This includes properties along Highway 149 north of the Hinsdale County line, south of the Whinnery Ranch gravel pit, and extending east and west to the National Forest boundaries. Updated evacuation information for Gunnison County is available at emergency.gunnisoncounty.org/elk-fire.

Forest Service Road 7868 (Alpine Road) remains closed to the public due to fire operations. Some public maps display the route as Road 868.

Yesterday, an Area Closure went into effect within National Forest Service lands which includes roads and trails north of CR 20 (Henson Creek) and east of Hwy 149.  The complete Closure Order is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug.

Highway 149 remains open, but motorists should expect increased firefighter traffic and a reduced speed limit through the incident area. Please slow down, stay alert, and use caution when traveling through the area. Smoke impacts are likely as the evening brings inversion into the valley bottoms.

STAY INFORMED: Residents are encouraged to stay informed, as evacuation statuses can change rapidly.

No Drone Zone: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in effect. Flying drones near the fire is prohibited and can interfere with firefighting aircraft, potentially grounding aerial suppression operations.

The Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team 1 would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Lake City and Gunnison communities and the surrounding area for your patience, support, and cooperation throughout our time managing the Elk Fire. We are grateful to the residents, local agencies, volunteers, and partner organizations whose collaboration and hospitality have contributed to the incident response. As management transitions to the incoming Complex Incident Management Team, we are confident the fire is in capable hands and appreciate your continued support of the firefighters and personnel working to protect lives, property, and natural resources.